KOCHI: Traffic IG Guguloth Lakshman has been suspended from service for his controversial association with fraudster and fake antiquity dealer Monson Mavunkal. The action was following a report submitted by the crime branch. Police officers on the IG's personal staff will also be questioned.
WhatsApp chats and pictures proving Lakshman as a mediator in the antiques fraud case had surfaced earlier. Lakshman introduced an intermediary from Andhra Pradesh to Monson. WhatsApp chats with this Andhra native were exposed earlier. IG, Monson and this mediator met at the Police Club on August 5 last year.
The antiques were brought to the police club from Monson's home on the directions of the IG. It was brought by a police officer sent by the IG. The investigation also found that Monson had planned to sell one of his possession, through this intermediary.