Fake Tipu Sultan throne, Moses’ staff take netas, officials for a ride

An expose about a fake antique collector, named Monson Mavunkal, who claimed his possessions included the thrown of Tipu Sultan, the Staff of Moses mentioned in the bible as well as two of the silver coins said to have been used for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, has rattled Kerala’s political, administrative and police circles.

The revelation has caused acute embarrassment to senior political leaders, including KPCC president K Sudhakaran, former chief secretary Jiji Thomson, expolice DGP Loknath Behra along with several serving and retired IGs, who accepted the swindler’s highprofile hospitality.

The high connections were used by the man to stonewall investigations and hush up complaints of financial fraud by collecting money from so-called antique dealers who hoped to make a fortune by supplying these to the Gulf royals and their palaces.

The antiques turned out to be fake pieces fabricated for the swindler by artisans specially hired for the purpose. He had converted his house in Kochi into an antique museum where special previews were organised.

He impressed his visitors and business associates with the claim that he had done transactions worth Rs 2.6 lakh crore, with dignitaries, including the Sultan of Brunei and the royal families of the United Arab Emirates.

The expose, made by popular Asianet news channel, included a letter by IG Lakshmana to his subordinate to end an ongoing crime branch investigation in a complaint of cheating. Another order had the DGP handing over another investigation to a police officer suggested by the swindler himself.

The politicians and officials acknowledged they knew the man, but claimed they were not aware of his misdeeds.

KPCC president K Sudhakaran, whose photograph with the man became viral on TV channels and social media. Another one had former DGP sitting on a throne and an IG posing with an antique sword.

A complainant claimed that an amount of Rs 25 lakh was handed over to Monson in the presence of the KPCC chief. Sudhakaran denied any wrongdoing, although he did not deny his acquaintance with the man and his presence in the ‘museum’.

Sudhakaran alleged a conspiracy, hatched by the CM’s office, behind the controversy.