Why Monson Mavungal was accorded police protection?: Kerala HC to police

The Kerala HC on Tuesday asked the state police chief as to why police protection was granted to Monson Mavungal, a dealer accused of antiques fraud case. The court made the observation while hearing a plea filed by Monson's driver alleging police harassment.

Thiruvananthapuram:The Kerala HC on Tuesday asked the state police chief as to why police protection was granted to Monson Mavungal, a dealer accused of antiques fraud case. The court made the observation while hearing a plea filed by Monson's driver alleging police harassment.

"Allegations are flying thick and high against police officers of several ranks in the state. In such a situation, can the Crime Branch conduct a proper investigation (into complaints against Mavunkal)," the court questioned DGP Anil Kant.

The court further said that while the allegations against the police officers may not be correct, but since the force provided protection to the antique dealer despite being aware of the kind of items -- including elephant tusks -- which he had in his possession, instead of taking him into custody, "can Kerala Police be trusted"?

"The DGP has to tell me whether he trusts the police under his command to carry out a proper investigation. The SPC has to inform the court whether an investigation would be apposite by an agency in Kerala when allegations have been made against police officers of several ranks," the court added.

"The credibility of such people increases when the police provide protection. Police officers close to Monson are still in service. Why didn't the police find any violations of the law when they went to his house? Why police officers didn't inquire about the ivory," Justice Ramachandran asked the police chief.

The court directed the state police chief to file an affidavit in this regard and explain why the police didn't do any inquiry about him. The petition will be reconsidered on October 26.

Monson again in Crime Branch Custody

Meanwhile, the accused has been remanded again in Crime Branch custody. The Ernakulam ACJM court remanded him in custody till July 7, following an action taken in connection with a land fraud case in Wayanad.

The Crime Branch also informed the court that Monson's financial dealings are mysterious and that the transactions were not done using his account. Hence, a proper interrogation needs to be done, the prosecution told the court.

However, when the defendant opposed the custody application saying that scrutinising the bank documents would help reveal the details of the transaction, but the court did not agree.

When the Crime branch asked for five-day custody of the accused, the court gave three days.