Manjummel Boys financial fraud case: Attempted to help accused, SI transferred

KOCHI: A Sub Inspector attached to the Maradu police station has been transferred following allegations of misconduct in the 'Manjummel Boys' financial fraud case. SI K.K. Sajeesh was moved to the Ernakulam West Traffic Station after an internal review revealed that crucial bank transaction documents were removed from the case file, allegedly to delay proceedings and benefit the accused. The lapse was detected when the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) reviewed the case file to evaluate its progress.

The case stems from a complaint lodged by Aroor native Siraj Valiyathara, who claimed that neither the money he invested in the film nor his share of the profits was returned. Siraj had invested Rs 7 crore in the production but received only Rs 50 lakh back. As per the agreement, he was entitled to 40% of the revenue generated from theatrical collections, OTT, and satellite rights, which he alleges was not honoured. Police records indicate that Siraj incurred losses amounting to nearly Rs 47 crore.

'Manjummel Boys', directed by Chidambaram, went on to become a blockbuster, grossing more than Rs 235 crore worldwide. The film’s OTT rights were acquired by Disney+ Hotstar.