India

Mayor, BJP Councillor Accused of Forging Signature in Council Attendance Books

By PTI

A police report filed on Thursday, October 8, 2026, states that a case has been registered against Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, the Corporation secretary, and BJP councillor K. Sugathan for an alleged forged signature. The complaint was lodged by CPI(M) councillor S.P. Deepak on Wednesday night and the case was registered at the Museum police station. According to the police, Sugathan was detained under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after being involved in several criminal cases. The FIR alleges that the accused conspired to forge Sugathan’s signature in the attendance book for council meetings held on February 26, March 11, and April 27 of this year. Police officials said that under the Kerala Municipality Act, prolonged absence from council meetings can lead to disqualification under specified conditions. The complainant alleged that the forged signature was made to prevent Sugathan’s disqualification. Sugathan’s signature on his election nomination papers reportedly differed from the signature in the council meeting attendance book, the complainant claimed. The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to forgery, criminal conspiracy and making a false document. Sugathan was recently released from jail following a direction of the Kerala High Court. The police will soon ask the Corporation to submit the documents and record the statements of the accused persons. Published – October 08, 2026 10:14 am IST