IUML expels member as BJP leader surrenders in Rs 8-crore Doha theft case
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expelled one of its members and removed him from its affiliated organisations amid an investigation into the theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals, worth nearly Rs 8 crore, from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre ( KMCC ) office in Doha.
The IUML state committee announced the expulsion of Razak Kunnummel, also known as Rotana Razak, a resident of Thurayoor panchayat, through its mouthpiece, Chandrika Daily, on Saturday. Razak was an IUML council member in Qatar and an active member of the KMCC, a cultural and social welfare organisation associated with the party.
The IUML is a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala.
What happened at the KMCC office in Doha?
The theft took place on September 18, 2025, at the KMCC office in the Al Thumama area of Doha. According to police, a four-member group that allegedly travelled from Kerala to Qatar was involved in the robbery.
The gang allegedly tied up a room boy, broke open the strong room using a gas cutter and escaped with the cash.
Koyilandy police registered a case on September 15, 2026, based on a complaint filed by Qatar KMCC vice-president P K Abdul Rahim. The delay in filing the complaint had drawn criticism of both the IUML and the KMCC, with allegations that it had hampered the investigation.
IUML leaders maintained that Abdul Rahim approached the police on the instructions of the party leadership.
BJP leader surrenders, allegations against IUML member
BJP local leader Parappil Balakrishnan, a native of Koyilandy, surrendered before the Koyilandy police on Wednesday in connection with the case. He was among those allegedly involved in the robbery and had levelled allegations against Razak before surrendering.
The other accused named in the case are Shaji, Asainar, Rashi Payyoli, Salih alias Bava, Kakachi Kamaru and Nisar.
IUML leader Salam denied allegations that the party and the KMCC had failed to act after the theft. He said the party had supported the complainant in approaching the police.
"The party filed the case and lodged the complaint. The party also accompanied the complainant and ensured that an FIR was registered, and the accused were arrested," he said.
"If a theft or any other crime takes place, it is not the party that takes action. That is the responsibility of the police department and the judiciary. If any KMCC member is found involved, the Muslim League will not only take action at the party level but also ensure exemplary punishment," Salam said.
He added that the IUML could not initiate disciplinary action against Balakrishnan because he was a BJP member.
The IUML state committee announced the expulsion of Razak Kunnummel, also known as Rotana Razak, a resident of Thurayoor panchayat, through its mouthpiece, Chandrika Daily, on Saturday. Razak was an IUML council member in Qatar and an active member of the KMCC, a cultural and social welfare organisation associated with the party.
The IUML is a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala.
What happened at the KMCC office in Doha?
The theft took place on September 18, 2025, at the KMCC office in the Al Thumama area of Doha. According to police, a four-member group that allegedly travelled from Kerala to Qatar was involved in the robbery.
The gang allegedly tied up a room boy, broke open the strong room using a gas cutter and escaped with the cash.
Koyilandy police registered a case on September 15, 2026, based on a complaint filed by Qatar KMCC vice-president P K Abdul Rahim. The delay in filing the complaint had drawn criticism of both the IUML and the KMCC, with allegations that it had hampered the investigation.
IUML leaders maintained that Abdul Rahim approached the police on the instructions of the party leadership.
BJP leader surrenders, allegations against IUML member
BJP local leader Parappil Balakrishnan, a native of Koyilandy, surrendered before the Koyilandy police on Wednesday in connection with the case. He was among those allegedly involved in the robbery and had levelled allegations against Razak before surrendering.
The other accused named in the case are Shaji, Asainar, Rashi Payyoli, Salih alias Bava, Kakachi Kamaru and Nisar.
IUML leader Salam denied allegations that the party and the KMCC had failed to act after the theft. He said the party had supported the complainant in approaching the police.
"The party filed the case and lodged the complaint. The party also accompanied the complainant and ensured that an FIR was registered, and the accused were arrested," he said.
"If a theft or any other crime takes place, it is not the party that takes action. That is the responsibility of the police department and the judiciary. If any KMCC member is found involved, the Muslim League will not only take action at the party level but also ensure exemplary punishment," Salam said.
He added that the IUML could not initiate disciplinary action against Balakrishnan because he was a BJP member.
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