Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Four Decades Later, Sukumara Kurup Brunei Sighting Faces Doubts
Sukumara Kurup has been wanted since a man was killed in Kerala in 1984.
Police say Kurup allegedly killed K J Chacko and burned a car to make it look as if Kurup had died.
The plan was reportedly connected to an Rs 8 lakh insurance policy.
Kurup escaped before police could arrest him.
A television channel recently said someone resembling him was living in Brunei.
The Kerala government has asked police to investigate whether the sighting is real.
A family in Thrissur says the photograph actually shows their relative Damodara Menon.
Officials still need to check the claims before deciding who is in the photograph.
A television channel claimed Sukumara Kurup was living under an assumed name in Brunei.
Kurup allegedly killed K J Chacko in 1984 to claim an Rs 8 lakh life insurance payout.
Police say Kurup fled before he could be arrested, while three alleged accomplices were prosecuted.
The Kerala government ordered a probe and plans to seek Interpol’s help to verify the report.
A Thrissur family says the photograph shows their relative Damodara Menon, not Kurup.
- Who
- Sukumara Kurup is the fugitive sought in connection with K J Chacko’s alleged murder; a family says the reported photograph shows Damodara Menon.
- What
- A renewed claim that Kurup was sighted in Brunei has prompted a police inquiry, but the photograph’s identification is disputed.
- When
- The murder occurred on January 21, 1984; the Brunei claim was reported this week, with a follow-up challenge the next day.
- Where
- The alleged murder occurred near Mavelikara in Alappuzha, Kerala; the reported sighting was in Brunei.
- Why
- The alleged killing was reportedly intended to secure Kurup’s Rs 8 lakh life insurance claim.
Television Channel’s Claim
Family’s Identification
Who appears in the photograph?
Television Channel’s Claim
24News claimed the old man shown was Sukumara Kurup, who had been living in Brunei under an assumed name.
Family’s Identification
A Thrissur family said the man was their relative Damodara Menon, who migrated abroad about 40 years ago and settled with his family in Malaysia.
Evidence behind the identification
Television Channel’s Claim
The channel cited a former police officer’s view that the case had not been sufficiently investigated and that Kurup was alive and in contact with his family.
Family’s Identification
A police officer who visited the Thrissur family said the man was prima facie identified as Damodara Menon.
Current whereabouts and condition
Television Channel’s Claim
The channel said the alleged Kurup worked in construction, kept to himself, and was suspected because of his accent.
Family’s Identification
The family said Menon was indisposed and allegedly abandoned in Brunei; the Indian High Commission had raised his situation with NORKA ROOTS.
- Original case
- K J Chacko was allegedly abducted and killed on January 21, 1984.
- Alleged motive
- Police linked the crime to an Rs 8 lakh life insurance claim.
- Reported sighting
- Malayalam channel 24News claimed Kurup was living in Brunei under an assumed name.
- Government response
- Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed ADGP (Crimes) H Venkitesh to investigate.
- International verification
- The state police said they would approach Interpol to check the report.
- Photograph dispute
- A Thrissur family identified the man shown as Damodara Menon, a relative living abroad.
- Earlier reported sighting
- In 1988, a man resembling Kurup was reportedly seen at a hospital in Bokaro under the name Joshi.