KOCHI: KMRL has denied reports that Kochi Metro MD and former DGP Loknath Behera is on leave. KMRL clarified that Behra is in office and not on leave. Meanwhile, KMRL said in a press release that he has been invited to the interview panel of the Odisha Administrative Service to be held in Cuttack from October 1 to 4.

KMRL also shared a picture of Behera giving a cash award and certificate at a ceremony held at the Metro Corporate Office today.

His office had said that Loknath Behera had not been in office for three days and is on leave after allegations surfaced that Monson Mavunkal, who had swindled crores of rupees under the guise of sale of antiquities, had received help from senior police officials, including Behera. But in the evening, KMRL corrected this and released the newsletter. The picture of Behera and ADGP Manoj Abraham sitting at Monson's house was widely circulated. However, Behera has not yet commented on the allegations.