Thiruvananthapuram, 16 Jan (H.S.):Police have registered a case against Shibu Baby John, State Secretary of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), following a complaint alleging that money was fraudulently collected by promising a residential flat.

The case has been registered by the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Police based on a complaint filed by Alex, a resident of Kumarapuram. According to the complaint, Alex was allegedly induced to pay money after being assured that a flat would be constructed and handed over on land owned by Shibu Baby John and his family.

The complaint pertains to a proposed apartment project planned on a 40-cent plot of land situated along the Kazhakkoottam–Chacka Bypass. The land is reportedly owned by Shibu Baby John’s family, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between the family and a private builder, AND Construction Company, for constructing and selling residential flats on the property.

As per the agreement, the complainant allegedly paid a total of ₹15 lakh to the construction company in two instalments. Alex has claimed that the money was handed over in the presence of Shibu Baby John. However, even after five years, construction of the promised flat did not commence, the complaint states.

Claiming that he was cheated and that the flat was never delivered, Alex approached the Medical College Police seeking the return of his money. Initially, the police reportedly declined to register a case, stating that the issue amounted to a civil dispute. The complainant later submitted representations to the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police, following which a formal case was registered.

Responding to the allegations, Shibu Baby John has denied any wrongdoing. He stated that he had not received any money from the complainant and described the case as legally untenable. He clarified that his involvement was limited to that of a landowner who had entered into an agreement with the construction company, and that he had no role in collecting money from buyers.

Police said further investigation will be conducted to ascertain the nature of the transactions and determine the extent of responsibility, if any, of the parties involved.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman