Police confirm: Man in viral Sukumara Kurup photo is Damodara Menon, not fugitive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police have confirmed that the photograph and passport shared by some television channels as those of fugitive Sukumara Kurup actually belong to Damodara Menon, a native of Moorkanad in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur.

On July 2, NORKA had recommended that the government bring Menon, who is under the protection of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, back to Kerala and arrange rehabilitation for him. Menon has been undergoing treatment for kidney-related health problems. His passport details were also included in the recommendation.

According to reports, Menon's family was not willing to take responsibility for his care or treatment. His photograph was later circulated along with claims that Kurup was living in hiding in Brunei under a different name.

Menon moved to Malaysia around 40 years ago after completing his engineering studies in Pune. He married Usha, a native of Palakkad, and they have two children. His brother said Menon had contacted relatives as recently as a month ago.

Police visited Menon's house in Karumathra and collected information from his relatives before confirming that the man in the photograph was not Kurup. Police also spoke to Menon over the phone. Menon owns 10 cents of land in Karumathra.

Crime Branch to seek Interpol information

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has decided to seek information from Interpol through the CBI to determine whether there are any fresh leads on Sukumara Kurup. The Home Department has assigned ADGP H. Venkatesh to coordinate the process.

Former investigating officer Ali Akbar had claimed that Kurup was living in Brunei under the name John Menon. The Crime Branch will also question former police officers who allegedly spread claims that Kurup had been traced.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said there was no confirmation that Sukumara Kurup was living abroad. He said efforts would be made to verify the reports through Interpol.

Menon unable to pay rent

According to reports, Menon's Chinese landlord took him to the Indian High Commission after he was unable to pay the rent. His children are living in Malaysia and Australia.

Volunteers also contacted the family, but they were reportedly unwilling to take responsibility for him. The Indian High Commission contacted volunteers and NORKA on June 16 regarding the matter.

Crime Branch to investigate alleged conspiracy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch will investigate the alleged conspiracy behind the reports claiming that Sukumara Kurup was alive and had been spotted in Brunei.

Investigators suspect that some retired police officers may have been involved in spreading the claims. The Crime Branch will also try to identify the cyber expert who claimed to have intercepted a phone conversation between Kurup and his wife.

The investigation will examine whether there was a deliberate attempt to mislead the Alappuzha Crime Branch investigation and discredit the police. A report is expected to be submitted to the police chief within a month.

Family to take legal action

WADAKKANCHERY: Eighty-two-year-old Damodara Menon, the son of Narayanan and Janaki of Viruppakka Moorkanad, works as a pastor with a Pentecostal church in Malaysia.

Special Branch ACP Bijoy said the statements of Menon's relatives would be recorded and a detailed investigation would be conducted.

“I am tired of answering people. We will take legal action against the false reports.”
- Surendran, Damodara Menon's brother