More details emerged following the arrest of Kuthuparamba Municipal Council PP Rajesh, who was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a 77-year-old woman, Janaki of Kanniyarkunnu, and allegedly snatching her gold necklace while she was cleaning fish in her kitchen yard.
According to police, Rajesh, Noonhumbayi Ward 4 councilor and Kuthuparamba East Local Committee member, admitted that he was driven to commit the crime by mounting debts. He reportedly told officials that he was under a lot of financial pressure as he owed several crores to cooperative banks and private lenders.
According to the police, Rajesh told officials that his only source of income was his job as a night watchman at the Kuthuparamba Co-operative Bank and that his full-time political activities prevented him from pursuing any other job. “After the incident, Rajesh even joined the party workers who visited the spot to inquire about the robbery and no one suspected him,” said a police officer. However, CCTV footage showing the blue scooter helped investigators trace the vehicle to an acquaintance who allegedly lent it to Rajesh, which eventually led to his identification.
The accused later told the police that he thought about returning the necklace and apologizing to Janaki, but backed off fearing humiliation. “Fat with guilt, he eventually gave up and said the stigma of being labeled a thief became unbearable,” police said.
The police recovered the stolen necklace, which Rajesh had allegedly kept for sale. Officials said he will be taken to an evidence collection site once he is released from judicial custody.
Published – 19 Oct 2025 19:41 IST
