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Today, the Kerala High Court came down heavily on the police authorities in the state while asking the Director-General of Police if the team under him could be trusted with the investigation in the controversial fake antique scam involving Monson Mavunkal.

Justice Devan Ramachandran also questioned why police protection was granted to the controversial fake antique dealer instead of taking him into custody when he was found to be in possession of various valuable items, including elephant tusks.

After a few news reports had surfaced alleging that Manuvkal had conned several people of over ₹10 crores through his antique scam, his former driver had approached the Kerala High Court seeking protection from his former boss after he had disclosed some information regarding Mavunkal's scam to the police.

Last week the High Court had granted police protection to the driver who had also alleged harassment from certain police officers close to Manuvkal.

This had prompted the Court to seek impleadment of State Police Chief in the matter to conduct an elaborate probe into the grave allegations put forth it against some of the superior police officers and their alleged links with the bogus collector.

While hearing the matter today, the Court remarked that with so many allegations flying thick and high against all the police officers, could the crime branch conduct a proper investigation in the matter.

"The State Police Chief has to inform this court whether an investigation (against Mavunkal) would be apposite by an agency in Kerala when allegations have been made against police officers of various ranks. The State Police Chief to also explain why no suspicions were raised regarding him," the court said.

Source: News18.