LDF alleges forged signature of BJP councillor R. Sugathan in Thiruvananthapuram council attendance register
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has called for a police and government investigation into what it says is the forging of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor R. Sugathan’s signature in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation council’s attendance register, allegedly to show him present at meetings he missed while in hiding. LDF Parliamentary party leader S.P. Deepak also demanded the immediate dissolution of the BJP-led ruling council, accusing it of fabricating official records.
Allegations and formal complaint
On Sunday, Mr. Deepak submitted a written complaint along with copies of related documents to the State government and the District Police Chief. The complaint centres on entries in the council’s attendance register that, according to the LDF, falsely recorded Mr. Sugathan’s presence at three council meetings held while he was absconding and later jailed under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
“The attendance register for the council meetings is maintained at the Mayor’s office. Such a forged signature could only have been recorded with the Mayor’s knowledge. The forged signatures were recorded for the council meetings held on February 26, March 11 and April 27. An examination of the attendance register copies obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that these forged signatures falsely indicated Mr. Sugathan’s participation in the council meetings on those three days,” said Mr. Deepak.
Background on the councillor
Mr. Sugathan, the BJP councillor from the Vazhottukonam ward, is an accused in several criminal cases. Following his election, he was implicated in additional cases and subsequently imprisoned under KAAPA, the State law aimed at preventing activities by habitual offenders. During a period when he was in hiding prior to his detention, the LDF alleges he missed three council meetings that were later marked as attended through forged signatures.
Disqualification at issue
According to Mr. Deepak, the alleged forgery was carried out to prevent the councillor’s disqualification, which would have been triggered by missing three consecutive council meetings. The LDF maintains that the entries were fabricated to create the impression of continuous attendance and thereby protect the seat held by the BJP in the BJP-led council.
Evidence cited
The LDF says it obtained copies of the attendance register through RTI requests and that these documents show Mr. Sugathan’s signature recorded as present for the February 26, March 11, and April 27 council meetings. The alliance argues that because the register is maintained at the Mayor’s office, any manipulation would imply knowledge within the office. The LDF has asked investigators to scrutinize how the entries were made and to identify those responsible for the purported falsification.
Next steps
The complaint seeks a comprehensive police probe and administrative action by the government, alongside the dissolution of the current ruling council for what the LDF characterises as the fabrication of official records. The authorities have received the complaint and the supporting documents, according to Mr. Deepak. Further official responses or investigative actions were not detailed in the submissions referenced by the LDF.
The allegations, if proven, could have significant ramifications for the functioning and credibility of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, raising questions about record-keeping practices and oversight within the civic body.
