Shocking details have emerged following the arrest of P.P. Rajesh, a Municipal Councillor from Kuthuparamba, who stands accused of a heinous crime. He was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting 77-year-old Janaki from Kanniyarkunnu and snatching her gold necklace right from her kitchen yard while she was cleaning fish.
Police investigations revealed that Rajesh, who represents the 4th ward in Noonhumbayi and is an active member of the Kuthuparamba East Local Committee, confessed that crushing financial burdens drove him to this desperate act. He reportedly admitted to officials that he was under immense pressure due to several lakhs of rupees owed to co-operative banks and private lenders.
Rajesh explained to authorities that his sole stable income came from his role as a night watchman at the Kuthuparamba Co-operative Bank. His deep involvement in political activities, he claimed, left him no opportunity to seek additional employment. Intriguingly, following the robbery, Rajesh even joined local party workers who visited the crime scene to offer support, with no one suspecting his involvement. However, vigilant police, aided by CCTV footage capturing a distinctive blue scooter, managed to trace the vehicle to an acquaintance who had lent it to Rajesh. This crucial lead ultimately exposed his identity.
The accused later confided in the police that he had considered returning the stolen necklace and apologizing to Janaki, but the fear of public humiliation prevented him. “Haunted by guilt, he eventually gave himself up, stating that the unbearable shame of being labeled a thief compelled his surrender,” a police officer disclosed.
Authorities have successfully recovered the gold necklace, which Rajesh reportedly intended to sell. Officials confirmed that he would be brought back to the crime scene for further evidence collection once his judicial custody concludes.