What Happened to Valuables Worth Rs 20-Cr at Monson Mavunkal's Kochi Residence?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Theft of valuables worth Rs 20 crore reported.
- CCTV cameras were dismantled prior to the incident.
- Possible involvement of someone familiar with the property.
- Mavunkal is the prime suspect in a major antique fraud case.
- Incident raises concerns about security for high-profile cases.
Kochi, Nov 7 (NationPress) A significant theft has come to light from the rented home of Monson Mavunkal, the central figure in the multi-crore antique fraud scandal, located in Kaloor, Kochi. The alarming incident was discovered when Mavunkal, who is presently on parole, returned to the residence after receiving court authorization to collect his belongings stored there.
Authorities revealed that the property, currently under the supervision of the Kerala Police, is the same location where Mavunkal purportedly kept artifacts he showcased to investors, falsely representing them as rare antiques to swindle them out of substantial amounts of money.
As per his attorney, belongings totaling approximately Rs 20 crore have reportedly vanished.
The theft is believed to have transpired within the last fortnight.
Initial investigations indicate that the CCTV cameras installed at the property had been tampered with before the incident occurred.
Investigators suspect that the assailants might have utilized duplicate keys to access the residence, suggesting potential involvement from someone acquainted with the property.
The homeowners have filed a report with the police, and Mavunkal’s lawyer stated that his client intends to submit a separate complaint as well.
Police units conducted a thorough examination of the residence on Friday, accompanied by Mavunkal.
The Kerala Police confirmed that a similar theft transpired at the same residence back in March of the previous year, shortly after police protection was withdrawn following the initial chargesheet in the fraud case.
During that incident, 15 valuable items were reported as missing; however, police clarified that none were antique artifacts.
Mavunkal, who was arrested in 2021, faces allegations of defrauding multiple individuals by showcasing counterfeit artifacts and asserting they were ancient antiques of significant historical importance.
He allegedly persuaded high-profile visitors of his authenticity by presenting artifacts he claimed included the 'staff of Moses' and 'two of the 30 silver coins that Judas received for betraying Jesus Christ.'
Authorities noted that he also exhibited a throne said to have belonged to Tipu Sultan, along with an extensive collection of ancient Qurans, Bibles, and handwritten copies of the Bhagavad Gita.
Mavunkal frequently entertained VIPs at his extravagant residence, a portion of which was transformed into a museum displaying his so-called 'precious' antiques.