Mon Jun 30 14:36:14 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A controversy has erupted within the Pathanamthitta district police regarding the appointment of a special public prosecutor for a 2013 murder case. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Madhu Babu alleges that District Police Chief (DPC) V.G. Vinod Kumar inappropriately intervened to appoint an individual with a police record. The DPC counters that the DySP mishandled the initial investigation and fears being implicated in evidence tampering. The victim’s family had previously petitioned the High Court for a special prosecutor, leading to the appointment currently under dispute. The lawyer appointed, Prashanth V. Kurup, denies the allegations against him and states his appointment was High Court-approved.

**News Article:**

**Pathanamthitta Police Embroiled in Scandal Over Prosecutor Appointment in Murder Case**

**PATHANAMTHITTA, June 30, 2025** – A bitter dispute has erupted within the Pathanamthitta district police over the appointment of a special public prosecutor in the high-profile 2013 murder case of Biju M. Joseph, a cashier at Karikineth Silks.

The controversy pits District Police Chief (DPC) V.G. Vinod Kumar against Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Madhu Babu, currently stationed in Alappuzha. DySP Babu filed a complaint with the Chief Minister, alleging that DPC Kumar intervened to appoint a lawyer, reportedly listed in police records, as the special prosecutor. Babu, who was the Circle Inspector during the initial investigation, claims the appointment was driven by personal motives.

DPC Kumar has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Babu of mishandling the initial investigation. Kumar suggested that Babu fears being implicated in the case for alleged evidence tampering. The High Court, acting on a petition from the victim’s brothers, had previously selected the special prosecutor, setting the stage for this latest conflict.

Prashanth V. Kurup, the lawyer at the center of the controversy, has also denied any wrongdoing, asserting his appointment was based on a High Court recommendation following the family’s petition.

The 2013 murder case has been plagued by delays and allegations of influence, further fueling the current police scandal. The allegations of evidence tampering and improper influence could potentially derail the prosecution and undermine public trust in the police. An investigation into these claims is expected.

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