Kerala MLA seeks probe into tribal chieftain Mohandas' disappearance

Pathanamthitta,UPDATED: Jul 3, 2026 12:11 IST

A CPI(M) MLA on Friday sought a comprehensive investigation into the disappearance of tribal chieftain Mohandas, who has been missing from Kokkathode near Konni in Kerala since June 26.

After visiting Mohandas’ family, Konni MLA KU Jenish Kumar said he would submit a complaint to state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, seeking an in-depth probe into the circumstances of the tribal leader’s disappearance. He also urged the authorities to step up the search using advanced technology, including drones.

Jenish told reporters that the family had made serious allegations against the police. He said Mohandas, along with a panchayat ward member, had gone to the Konni police station in connection with a case, where officials allegedly treated him disrespectfully.

According to the MLA, the family also alleged that Mohandas had paid a bribe to police officials to settle a case linked to a dispute over work received under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). He said the family claimed that Mohandas, 70, later received a court notice in the case, after which he entered the forest and has not been seen since.

"When Mohandas and the ward member reached the police station, the Circle Inspector questioned them. Those who accompanied Mohandas alleged that the police did not behave properly. The next day, they were called again to the station, where a bribe was allegedly demanded and accepted before they were told that the matter had been settled," Jenish said.

Calling the allegations serious, the MLA said a detailed investigation was needed. "I will submit a complaint to the Home Minister. There should be an in-depth investigation into the matter," he said.

Meanwhile, police, with the assistance of the Forest Department, continued the search for Mohandas, even as Jenish pressed for a deeper inquiry into the events surrounding his disappearance.

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