Case filed against Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, BJP councillor Sugathan over forged signature

A case has been registered against Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, the Corporation secretary and a BJP councillor over an alleged forged signature, the police said on Thursday (October 8, 2026).

The case was registered at the Museum police station against Mr. Rajesh, councillor K. Sugathan and the Corporation Secretary following a complaint lodged by CPI(M) councillor S P Deepak on Wednesday night.

According to the police, Mr. Sugathan was detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after allegedly being involved in multiple criminal cases.

As per the FIR, the accused persons conspired to forge Mr. Sugathan’s signature in the attendance book for council meetings held on February 26, March 11, and April 27 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 Mr. Sugathan’s disqualification, the police said.

Mr. Deepak claimed that Mr. Sugathan’s signature on his election nomination papers differed from the signature in the council meeting attendance book, officials said.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to forgery, criminal conspiracy and making a false document.

Mr. 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, an official said.