Kozhikode, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Police have stepped up evidence collection in the alleged robbery of 31 lakh Qatari riyals, worth around ₹8 crore, from the Qatar office of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), taking the fourth accused to Karipur International Airport and locations linked to the case.
The investigation team, led by Circle Inspector R.N. Prashanth, took P. Balakrishnan, 60, to the airport and the residence of Bombay Shaji, identified as the prime accused. Police also collected evidence from other locations reportedly connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Balakrishnan, a welder and local BJP leader who contested the Koyilandy municipal elections, surrendered before Koyilandy police on October 21. He is the fourth accused in the case, which was registered following a complaint by P.K. Abdul Rahim, vice-president of the Qatar KMCC unit.
The alleged robbery took place on September 18, 2025, at the organisation’s office in Al Thumama, Doha. According to the case details, the strong room locks were broken using a gas cutter and the cash was taken. The money was reportedly earmarked for KMCC’s Sneha Suraksha welfare scheme, which supports members and their families.
Following his surrender, Balakrishnan claimed that he had travelled to Qatar after being promised a job and was forced to break open the strong room. He alleged that others took the money. These claims have not been established in court.
Five other people have been named as accused, and police are continuing efforts to trace those not yet arrested. Investigators have not publicly established the complete sequence of events or the whereabouts of the entire amount allegedly stolen.
The case has also sparked political controversy over the reported delay of nearly a year in filing a formal complaint. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), an ally of the Congress-led UDF and the party with which Qatar KMCC is affiliated, has faced questions over the delay.
Amid the controversy, the IUML expelled Qatar-based businessman Razak Kunnummel, also known as Rotana Razak, from the party and its affiliated organisations.
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