42 years on, Sukumara Kurup mystery returns with Brunei ‘sighting’ — and a photo twist

On January 21, 1984, Sukumara Kurup allegedly abducted and killed a man named K J Chacko in a Kerala paddy field, then set the vehicle on fire to secure an 8-lakh rupee life insurance claim. Kurup, a native of Alappuzha, had been working in Abu Dhabi at the time of the crime and returned to the region six months later. The victim's wife, Santhamma, and their son Jithin are still seeking justice.

The crime was eventually attributed to Kurup based on an autopsy report. However, his whereabouts were unknown until this week when a television channel reported that Kurup had been spotted in Brunei, living under an assumed name and working in the construction sector. The state police have since launched an investigation into the claim, and Interpol has been alerted to aid in the probe.