Kochi: The Crime Branch on Monday recorded the statement of former DGP Lokanath Behera over the cheating case in which self-styled antique dealer Monson Mavunkal was arrested last month.
Crime Branch head S Sreejith requested Lokanath Behera, ADGP Manoj Abraham and Traffic IG G Laxmana to give their statements in writing.
Behera was asked about his visit to Monson's so-called antique museum.
IG Laxmana's statement was taken amid allegations that he had used his official position to intervene in complaints against Monson. Phone conversations of the duo, which were out in the public domain earlier, suggested their proximity.
The IG had also participated in the wedding of Monson's daughter.
ADGP Manoj Abraham was also asked to give statements regarding his visit to the fake antique dealer's home.
A native of Cherthala, Monson, who claims to be in possession of rare and historic antiques, was arrested last month by the Crime Branch wing of the Kerala Police probing complaints that he had swindled Rs 10 crore from several people.
The victims claimed that they lost Rs 10 crore in their dealings with Monson, who allegedly earned their trust using his high-profile contacts, including politicians, top IPS officers and bureaucrats.
