From scrap dealing to antiques, shady path of Monson Mavunkal

By Express News Service

KOCHI: The self-styled vintage collector Monson Mavunkal was concerned in scrap buying and selling at Rajakumari in Idukki district a decade in the past, in keeping with investigators. He used to promote digital objects and used automobiles in areas bordering Tamil Nadu.

During this enterprise, he acquired concerned in vintage gross sales. When his fraud got here to mild in border areas, he moved to Cherthala, his native place, after which to a flat at Thevara in Kochi. While shifting to the home at Vyloppilly Lane in Kaloor, he devised a brand new technique of ‘FEMA’ fraud. He additionally claimed that he was a cosmetologist. 

The complainants alleged that Monson, who was the patron of Pravasi Malayali Federation, doesn’t actually have a legitimate passport whereas holding a high place of an expatriate outfit. To persuade his clients, he circulated posters with images of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan below the label of Pravasi Malayali Federation.

He had additionally introduced that the chief minister was chosen for the 2019 Pravasi Malayali Federation Award. As per a police inquiry report, Monson has acquired solely main schooling. His household house was close to eleventh Mile, Cherthala. His father Chacko was a authorities servant and his brother acquired appointed in authorities service below the dying in harness scheme following Chacko’s demise.

However, Monson had been residing an opulent life and had in possession a number of swanky automobiles which price Rs 65 lakh to Rs 2 crore every. His spouse stays in an opulent home in 20 cents of ancestral property of Monson at Cherthala city. His two youngsters are pursuing MBBS in Chennai, mentioned the police report. 

As per the inquiry carried out when Loknath Behara was the state police chief, his supply of earnings was additionally a thriller. “There is information that he is involved in the business of antique articles, but it is not known whether he has the required licence for the same,” the report mentioned. Private safety group ‘Thunder Force’ was employed for offering safety at his home and premises.