THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has once again extended the suspension of IG Guguloth Lakshman. The government has extended the suspension of the officer by three months. The action comes while the IG remains in suspension for his links with Monson Mavunkal, the accused in the antiquities fraud case.

It was alleged that the IG had misused his power to settle the case against Monson. IG Lakshman was suspended in November last year after the crime branch informed the chief minister with digital evidence that he had protected the fraudster using the powers of the police. The investigation revealed that the IG had been in contact with Monson for three years and had used security personnel for Monson's antiquities trade.

The order extending the suspension was issued while the departmental inquiry against IG Lakshman is in progress.