Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala asks

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Friday (August 28, 2026) said reports that fugitive Sukumara Kurup is still alive were “only rumours” and directed the Crime Branch to verify their veracity.

Kurup is wanted in connection with the 1984 murder of Chacko in Mavelikara, allegedly as part of a plan to fake his own death and claim a life insurance payout. Despite several investigation teams attempting to trace him since then, Kurup has remained absconding.

The case was also adapted into a Malayalam film, Kurup, starring Dulquer Salmaan in the titular role.

Recently, reports surfaced claiming that Kurup is alive and living in Brunei under a different name and using another passport.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Chennithala said the case is currently being investigated by the Crime Branch and has been classified as a Long Pending (LP) case.

“I have instructed ADGP Crime Branch Venkatesh to investigate. The Kerala Police needs to contact Interpol and find out the actual truth of the matter.” he said.

He said all efforts would be made to ascertain the facts.

“The Crime Branch will gather the details and inform as soon as they are received,” he said.

Mr. Chennithala also denied a claim by a retired police officer that he had submitted a report to the authorities stating that Kurup was still alive and in constant touch with his relatives in Keralam.

He said the case occurred when Vayalar Ravi was the Home Minister of Keralam.

“It has been around 40 years now. What is there to suppress? In any case, let the investigation proceed, and the truth come out.” he said.

Published - August 28, 2026 09:56 am IST

Verification Request

The Kerala Police has asked the Crime Branch to contact Interpol to confirm whether Sukumara Kurup is indeed alive and living in Brunei under a different name and passport, as recent reports claim.

Case Background

Kurup remains wanted for the 1984 murder of Chacko in Mavelikara, a case allegedly involving a scheme to fake his death for a life insurance payout, with the investigation ongoing after 40 years and classified as a Long Pending (LP) case.

Official Response

Mr. Chennithala denied a retired police officer’s claim that he submitted a report confirming Kurup’s continued contact with relatives in Keralam, stating the government has initiated necessary actions and will let the investigation proceed to reveal the truth.

Ongoing Investigation

The Crime Branch, led by ADGP Venkatesh, is gathering details to verify the rumours, with no confirmation yet on Kurup’s status or location. fixtures standings stats