Wayanad (Keralam), Oct 23 (PTI) IUML state general secretary P M A Salam on Friday said strict action would be taken against any member of the KMCC found involved in the theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals, worth nearly Rs 8 crore, from its office in Doha.
The Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre is a cultural and social welfare organisation associated with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress-led UDF in Keralam.
BJP local leader Parappil Balakrishnan, a native of Koyilandy, surrendered before the Koyilandy police on Wednesday. He was among a four-member group allegedly flown from Keralam to Qatar in connection with the robbery.
The theft took place on September 18, 2025, at the KMCC office in Doha’s Al Thumama area.
According to police, the gang tied up a room boy, broke open the strong room using a gas cutter and escaped with the cash.
Koyilandy police registered a case last month based on a complaint filed by Qatar KMCC vice-president P K Abdul Rahim, following criticism that the organisation had delayed approaching the police, allegedly hampering the investigation.
The other accused are Shaji, Asainar, Rashi Payyoli, Rottana Rasak, Salih alias Bava, Kakachi Kamaru and Nisar.
Speaking to reporters, Salam denied allegations that the IUML and KMCC had failed to act after the theft.
“The party filed the case and lodged the complaint. The party also accompanied the complainant and ensured that an FIR was registered, and the accused were arrested,” he said.
“If a theft or any other crime takes place, it is not the party that takes action. That is the responsibility of the police department and the judiciary. If any KMCC member is found involved, the Muslim League will not only take action at the party level but also ensure exemplary punishment,” Salam said.
He said the IUML could not initiate disciplinary action against Balakrishnan as he was a BJP member.
Salam also said the construction of 54 houses under the housing project for victims of the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide would be completed by the end of this year.
The IUML handed over 51 houses to the victims in February this year.
The party had initially planned to complete the remaining houses before October, but delays due to various reasons pushed the deadline to the end of the year, he said.
Salam added that construction of the remaining houses was progressing at full pace. PTI TBA SSK
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