A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Panangad Balakrishnan, in Kerala, surrendered to the police in connection with an alleged theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals, worth approximately Rs 8 crore, from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) office in Doha, Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expelled one of its members and removed him from all party positions amid the ongoing investigation.
BJP local leader Panangad Balakrishnan, a resident of Koyilandy in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, surrendered before the Koyilandy police on Wednesday. He was reportedly suspected of involvement in the robbery and had levelled allegations against Razak Kunnummal, also known as Basara Razak, in connection with the case.
According to a report published by Chandrika Daily, the IUML expelled Razak, a resident of Thurayur panchayat in Kozhikode district, on Saturday. He was a member of the IUML council in Qatar and was associated with the KMCC, a cultural and social welfare organisation linked to the party.
The IUML is a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 11, 2026, at the KMCC office in the Al Thumama area of Doha. According to the report, a four-member group allegedly travelled from Kerala to Qatar and carried out the robbery.
The suspects allegedly tied up a room boy, broke open a locker in the emergency room using a gas cutter and escaped with the cash.
Keylandy police registered a case on September 15, following a complaint by Qatar KMCC vice-president P.K. Abdul Rahim. The handling of the complaint reportedly drew criticism, with questions raised about the delay in approaching the police.
IUML leaders maintained that Abdul Rahim filed the complaint on the instructions of the party leadership.
The other accused named in the case include Shaji, Aasif, Rauf Fayaz, Salih alias Dava, Kakkan Kunnu and Nisar.
IUML leader Salam rejected allegations that the party and the KMCC had failed to act after the theft. He said the party had lodged a complaint, ensured that a first information report (FIR) was registered and pursued action in the matter.
Salam said the IUML would take action against any member found involved in a crime. He also maintained that the investigation and punishment of those responsible were matters for the police and judiciary.
He added that the party could not initiate disciplinary action against Balakrishnan because he belonged to the BJP.
The investigation into the alleged theft is ongoing, and the allegations against those named in the case remain subject to the legal process.
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