More details have surfaced following the arrest of Kuthuparamba Municipal Councillor P.P. Rajesh, who was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a 77-year-old woman, Janaki of Kanniyarkunnu, and reportedly snatching her gold necklace while she was cleaning fish in her kitchen yard.
According to the police, Rajesh, councillor of the 4th ward, Noonhumbayi, and a member of the Kuthuparamba East Local Committee, confessed that mounting debts had driven him to commit the crime. He reportedly told officials that he was under severe financial strain, owing several lakhs to co-operative banks and private lenders.
According to the police, Rajesh told the 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 other employment. “After the incident, Rajesh even joined party workers who visited the spot to inquire about the robbery, and no one suspected him,” said a police officer. However, CCTV footage showing a blue scooter helped investigators trace the vehicle to an acquaintance who had reportedly lent it to Rajesh, ultimately leading to his identification.
The accused later told police that he had thought of returning the necklace and apologising to Janaki, but backed out, fearing humiliation. “Tormented by guilt, he eventually surrendered, saying that the stigma of being branded a thief had become unbearable,” said the police.
The police have recovered the stolen necklace, which Rajesh had reportedly kept for sale. Officials said he would be taken to the scene for evidence collection once he is released from judicial custody.
Published – October 19, 2025 07:41 pm IST
