42 yrs' mystery: Where is Sukumara Kurup? Crime Branch reopens case

Thiruvananthapuram: More than four decades after one of Kerala's most infamous murder cases shocked the state, the Crime Branch has renewed efforts to trace fugitive Sukumara Kurup, whose whereabouts remain one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in the state's criminal history.

Kurup, the prime accused in the sensational case, has remained untraceable since allegedly murdering his friend and burning the body in an attempt to fake his own death and fraudulently claim an insurance payout. Despite decades of investigation, authorities have been unable to determine whether he is still alive or has died, with speculation continuing over his fate.

Amid the lingering uncertainty, the Crime Branch has decided to re-examine the case files in an effort to generate fresh leads. A high-level team led by IG Ajitha Begum has already reviewed the case details as part of the renewed investigation.

The Crime Branch is now preparing to intensify efforts through the intelligence wing to trace Kurup, who continues to top Kerala Police's list of most wanted fugitives. Investigators hope that a fresh examination of long-dormant evidence and leads could help unravel the case and finally shed light on the fate of one of the state's most elusive absconders.