Kerala's Crime Branch has initiated a fresh inquiry into claims surrounding Sukumara Kurup, a fugitive who has eluded authorities for over four decades. The renewed investigation comes after a recent image, widely circulated online and aired by a Malayalam news channel, purported to show Kurup living in Brunei.

The viral photograph has reignited public interest in one of Kerala's most enduring criminal mysteries. H. Venkatesh, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for the Crime Branch, affirmed that the case would remain open until conclusive evidence of Kurup's death is established, indicating that mere speculation would not lead to its closure.

However, the authenticity of the photograph has been swiftly challenged. Karunakaran Menon, a resident of Thrissur, has come forward to assert that the man in the viral image is, in fact, his brother, Damodaran Menon. According to Karunakaran Menon, his brother has been residing in Malaysia for nearly three decades.

In response to the circulating reports and the public discourse, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has instructed the Crime Branch to thoroughly verify all information regarding Sukumara Kurup's alleged whereabouts. The Minister underscored the importance of conducting a meticulous, fact-based investigation, cautioning against reliance on unverified rumours or speculation.

Sukumara Kurup remains a notorious figure in Kerala's criminal history, and the decades-long search for him has periodically resurfaced in public consciousness. The latest development, driven by the viral image and subsequent claims, has once again brought the infamous fugitive into the spotlight, prompting state authorities to re-engage with the long-standing case.