Kerala BJP leader surrenders over QR3.1 million theft at Doha KMCC office

A Kerala BJP leader has surrendered to police in connection with the alleged theft of QR3.1 million, approximately Rs8.08 crore, from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre’s office in Doha.

Parappil Balakrishnan, a 60-year-old welder from Koyilandy, surrendered on Wednesday, October 21. A local court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody.

Balakrishnan, who contested last year’s local body elections as a BJP candidate, claims he did not know about the planned robbery when he travelled to Qatar.

The theft took place on September 18, 2025. Police allege that four men travelled from Kerala to Qatar to carry it out, while two others helped arrange accommodation and plan the operation.

The group allegedly tied up an employee and used a gas cutter to break into the strong room before leaving with the money.

Accused alleges coercion

In a video recorded before his surrender, Balakrishnan alleged that a man identified as Shaji, also known as Bombay Shaji, offered him welding work in Qatar.

He claimed he was taken to the KMCC office after arriving in Doha and threatened into cutting open the locker.

Balakrishnan alleged that Shaji removed the money while another man, identified as Kamaru, directed the operation.

He said he received Rs50,000 in Qatar and another Rs1.5 lakh after returning to Kerala, despite being promised a larger payment. His account remains an allegation under investigation.

An audio recording purportedly involving Shaji and Kamaru has also circulated on social media. One speaker allegedly demands his share and refers to Rs25 crore, substantially more than the amount recorded in the police case.

The recording’s authenticity has not been established. Shaji has reportedly sought anticipatory bail, while police examine the evidence.

Complaint filed a year after theft

Koyilandy police registered the case following a complaint submitted on September 15, 2026, by P.K. Abdul Rahim, vice-president of KMCC’s Qatar unit.

The delay prompted criticism of the organisation’s handling of the incident.

The money reportedly belonged to Sneha Suraksha, a welfare scheme supporting Malayali expatriates in Qatar.

KMCC is a cultural and social welfare organisation associated with the Indian Union Muslim League, a key ally in Kerala’s Congress-led United Democratic Front.