Fake signature controversy in corporation: Mayor V V Rajesh files defamation case against S P Deepak after case registered

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mayor V V Rajesh has filed a defamation case of Rs 5 crore against CPM councillor S P Deepak in the fake signature controversy in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The notice issued has stated that the allegations are completely false and demanded that they be withdrawn within 15 days. The defamation case was filed after the police registered a case against three, including the Corporation Mayor, in the forged signature.

Following a preliminary inquiry into the complaint regarding the forged signature, the cantonment assistant commissioner submitted a report to the commissioner stating that a case needs to be registered and an investigation be conducted. Subsequently, a case was registered under charges including forgery and criminal conspiracy.

The complaint is that while Sugathan was on the run, his signature was forged to make it appear as though he attended the council meetings. The Vattiyoorkavu police arrested Sugathan on June 9 under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). However, the LDF alleged that Sugathan did not attend the council meetings prior to that date due to the threat of arrest. The allegation is that he did not attend the meetings held on February 26, March 11, and April 27, and that his signatures for these dates were forged. Sugathan was released from jail on Tuesday after his preventive detention was revoked.