The Kothamangalam police on Monday, February 2, 2026, registered a case against three people for cheating a man of ₹9.74 lakh. Two of the accused are local BJP leaders. The victims say the accused promised to help settle police cases against his son in Bengaluru. The accused are Unnikrishnan Thrikkariyoor, BJP Kothamangalam mandalam's general secretary; Suneesh T.S., the mandalam secretary; and Sanal from Kumily, Idukki. The complaint was filed by George Mathai of Chelad. According to the FIR, the accused received ₹9,74,000 between June 15, 2025, and November 19, 2025. The payments were made in several instalments, both directly and through bank transfers. The charges include cheating and criminal breach of trust. Mr. George and family protested outside the BJP office in Kothamangalam, demanding the money back. BJP Ernakulam East president P.P. Sajeev said Unnikrishnan was framed. He added, "Suneesh was removed from the party post even before the allegation was raised earlier."