Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Center break-in: Local BJP leader surrenders to Kozhikode police

A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader surrendered to the Kozhikode police on Wednesday in connection with a major burglary at the Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC) office in Qatar where cash worth around ₹8 crore was stolen.

The accused has been identified as Parappil Balakrishnan, a resident of Koyilanda in Kozhikode district.

Mr. Balakrishnan had previously contested as a BJP candidate in local body elections.

According to the police, the incident took place on September 18, 2025 at the KMCC office in Al Thumama, Qatar. The group allegedly broke into the building, tied the boy up from the room and broke open the safe using gas cutters. The complaint stated that 31 thousand Qatari riyals were looted during the robbery.

Based on a complaint filed by KMCC leader PK Abdul Rahim, the Koyilanda police registered a case on 15 September 2026 in which six persons were named as accused. The other accused in the case have been identified as ‘Bombay’ Shaji, Rashi, Salih, alias Bava, Hassan, alias Mammali and Nisar.

According to Bombay’s complaint, Shaji, Rashi and Salih allegedly hatched the conspiracy while Balakrishnan, Hassan and Nisar assisted in carrying out the robbery.

Police said further investigation into the case is underway.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 11:39 IST