Qatar KMCC heist: Kerala Police collect evidence at Karipur airport, accused's house
Synopsis
Nearly a year after ₹8 crore was allegedly stolen from the KMCC's Doha welfare fund using a gas cutter, Kerala Police are now walking the fourth accused — a BJP municipal candidate — through the evidence trail at Karipur airport and beyond. The IUML's year-long delay in filing a complaint, and the subsequent expulsion of a Qatar businessman, have turned a cross-border heist into a politically charged affair.
Key Takeaways
Kerala Police took fourth accused P.
Balakrishnan, 60 , to Karipur International Airport and the residence of prime accused Bombay Shaji for evidence collection on 28 October 2026 .
The alleged theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals (approximately ₹8 crore ) occurred at the KMCC office in Al Thumama, Doha on 18 September 2025 .
The strong room was reportedly broken open using a gas cutter ; the funds were part of the KMCC's Sneha Suraksha welfare scheme.
Balakrishnan, a local BJP leader, surrendered on 21 October and claimed he was forced to participate; his version is yet to be verified in court.
The IUML expelled Qatar businessman Razak Kunnummel (Rotana Razak) amid criticism over the nearly one-year delay in filing a formal complaint.
A total of six persons are named as accused; police are still working to trace those not yet arrested.
Kerala Police on 28 October 2026 continued evidence collection in the alleged robbery of approximately ₹8 crore from the Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) office, taking the fourth accused to Karipur International Airport and other locations linked to the case. The investigation into the theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals from the KMCC's Al Thumama, Doha office on 18 September 2025 has picked up pace as police trace the money trail across multiple locations in Kozhikode.
Key Developments in the Evidence Trail
P. Balakrishnan, 60, a welder and local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who surrendered before the Koyilandy police on 21 October, was escorted to several locations by an investigation team led by Circle Inspector R.N. Prashanth. The sites visited included Karipur International Airport and the residence of Bombay Shaji, identified as the prime accused in the case. Police also conducted evidence collection at places reportedly linked to the alleged conspiracy.
What the Accused Has Claimed
In a statement made after his surrender, Balakrishnan claimed that he had travelled to Qatar on the promise of employment and was allegedly compelled to break open the strong room. He further alleged that others took away the stolen money. His claims have not yet been established in court. The strong room at the KMCC's Doha office was reportedly broken open using a gas cutter before the cash was taken away. The money was reportedly kept for the KMCC's Sneha Suraksha welfare scheme, meant to support its members and their families.
Political Angles and Party Fallout
The case has drawn political attention on multiple fronts. Balakrishnan's background as a BJP candidate in the Koyilandy municipal elections has been highlighted amid the investigation. Separately, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) — the second-largest ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), with which the Qatar KMCC is affiliated — has come under scrutiny over the reported delay of nearly a year in filing a formal police complaint about the theft. Amid the mounting controversy, the IUML expelled Qatar-based businessman Razak Kunnummel, also known as Rotana Razak, from the party and its affiliated organisations.
Background: The Complaint and the Delay
The case was formally registered following a complaint filed by P.K. Abdul Rahim, vice-president of the Qatar KMCC unit. The incident occurred on 18 September 2025, but the robbery allegations surfaced and a formal complaint was lodged nearly a year after the incident — a delay that has itself triggered questions about the handling of the missing funds. A total of six persons, including Balakrishnan, have been named as accused. Police are continuing efforts to trace those who have not yet been arrested.
Where the Investigation Stands
Investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events, the roles of individual accused, and the whereabouts of the entire stolen amount. Police have not publicly confirmed the complete money trail. The investigation remains ongoing, and the case is expected to draw further scrutiny given its cross-border dimensions involving Qatar and its political ramifications back in Kerala.
Point of View
Not just the robbery, is the story. The IUML's decision to expel Rotana Razak looks reactive rather than proactive, and raises questions about what the party knew and when. The BJP connection through Balakrishnan adds a layer of political noise, but the harder question is whether KMCC's internal oversight mechanisms failed the very members whose welfare money was allegedly stolen.
NationPress
28 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Qatar KMCC heist case?
The Qatar KMCC heist refers to the alleged theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals (approximately ₹8 crore) from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre office in Al Thumama, Doha, on 18 September 2025. The strong room was reportedly broken open using a gas cutter and the money — meant for the KMCC's Sneha Suraksha welfare scheme — was taken away.
Who is P. Balakrishnan and why was he taken to Karipur airport?
P. Balakrishnan, 60, is the fourth accused in the case — a welder and local BJP leader who contested the Koyilandy municipal elections. He surrendered before Koyilandy police on 21 October and was taken to Karipur International Airport and other locations by investigators to assist in evidence collection.
Why has the IUML faced criticism over this case?
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), with which the Qatar KMCC is affiliated, has faced criticism for the reported delay of nearly a year between the incident and the filing of a formal police complaint. The party subsequently expelled Qatar businessman Razak Kunnummel (Rotana Razak) from its ranks, a move seen as damage control.
How many accused are there in the Qatar KMCC case?
A total of six persons have been named as accused in the case. Bombay Shaji is identified as the prime accused. P. Balakrishnan has surrendered; police are continuing efforts to trace those who have not yet been arrested.
Where does the investigation currently stand?
As of 28 October 2026, Kerala Police are conducting evidence collection at multiple sites including Karipur International Airport and the prime accused's residence. Investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events and the whereabouts of the entire stolen amount; the investigation is ongoing.
