Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre burglary: Local BJP leader surrenders before police in Kozhikode

A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader surrendered before the Kozhikode police on Wednesday in connection with a major burglary at the Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) office in Qatar, where cash worth approximately ₹8 crore was stolen.The accused has been identified as Parappil Balakrishnan, a resident of Koyilandy in Kozhikode district. Mr. Balakrishnan had previously contested as a BJP candidate in the local body elections.According to the police, the incident occurred on September 18, 2025 at the KMCC office in Al Thumama, Qatar. A group allegedly broke into the building, tied up the room boy and used gas cutters to break open the strongroom. The complaint stated that 31 lakh Qatari Riyals were looted during the robbery.Following a complaint filed by KMCC leader P.K. Abdul Rahim, the Koyilandy police registered a case on September 15, 2026 naming six individuals as accused. The other accused in the case were identified as ‘Bombay’ Shaji, Rashi, Salih, alias Bava, Hassan, alias Mammali, and Nisar. According to the complaint, Bombay Shaji, Rashi, and Salih allegedly hatched the conspiracy, while Balakrishnan, Hassan, and Nisar assisted in executing the heist.The police said further investigation in the case was under way. Published - October 22, 2026 11:39 am IST