BJP Silent Over Forged Signature of Councillor Sugathan, Who Is in Jail Under KAAPA

Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP has failed to respond to allegations that the signature of Vazhayottukonam councillor Sugathan was forged in the council meeting attendance register while he was absconding in a KAAPA case.

Sugathan, who is an accused in several criminal cases, was allegedly involved in attacks even after becoming a councillor. His signature was entered in the attendance register to show that he had attended three council meetings while he was absconding in a case related to an alleged attempt to kill a person by hitting him on the head. LDF Parliamentary Party Leader S P Deepak released evidence of the forgery, exposing what he described as an attempt by the mayor and the ruling group to retain power.

A councillor can be disqualified for failing to attend three consecutive council meetings. The BJP, which runs the corporation with the support of only one independent councillor, is making efforts to protect Sugathan from disqualification. The attendance register of council meetings is maintained at the mayor's office. S P Deepak said the forged signature could have been entered only with the knowledge of the mayor.

The forged signatures were entered for council meetings held on February 26, March 11 and April 27. The matter came to light after copies of the attendance register obtained under the Right to Information Act were examined.

Sugathan, who is currently in jail, is also receiving an honorarium from the corporation every month. S P Deepak said the honorarium is meant for elected representatives for carrying out services in their wards, and alleged that taxpayers' money was being paid to a criminal who is in jail.

S P Deepak demanded the resignation of the mayor and the ruling body, alleging that they were attempting to protect the councillor by entering a forged signature. He also demanded an immediate government investigation into the matter.

He warned that the LDF would mobilise people and launch a strong protest if action was not taken.