A 51-year-old man, Thayakath Fazal, who had been evading justice since a 1997 murder attempt case, has been arrested by the Kannur SIT after fleeing to multiple countries.

  • Thayakath Fazal, 51, arrested after 29 years of evading law.
  • Accused was wanted for a 1997 deadly weapon attack on Sunil Kumar.
  • The fugitive lived in Dubai, Poland, and Ireland to escape prosecution.
  • Arrested by Kannur City Police SIT upon his return to Kerala.

In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kannur City Police in Kerala has arrested a 51-year-old man who had been absconding for nearly three decades. The accused, identified as Thayakath Fazal, a native of Meenkunnu in Azhikode, was apprehended in Kannur town on Monday.

The arrest pertains to an attempt-to-murder case registered on January 3, 1997. In that incident, Fazal allegedly attacked Sunil Kumar, a resident of Azhikode, with a deadly weapon near the Azhikode Lighthouse. While he was initially arrested and remanded by the Valapattanam police, he managed to secure bail and subsequently fled the country to evade trial.

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Historical Background

Following his escape, Fazal led a nomadic life across several continents to stay off the radar of Indian authorities. He spent several years working in Dubai before relocating to Poland. For the last five years, he had been residing and working in Ireland. Due to his persistent failure to appear before the court, he was officially declared a 'proclaimed offender' in 2002.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this successful operation highlights the evolving capabilities of Special Investigation Teams in tracking long-term fugitives through international intelligence and surveillance. It serves as a deterrent to criminals who believe that moving abroad provides permanent immunity from domestic laws.

The ability to trace a fugitive across three different countries demonstrates the growing synergy between local intelligence and global movement tracking.

The investigation was conducted under the direction of Kannur Range DIG K. Karthik and led by Kannur City Police Commissioner Vijaya Bharat Reddy. The SIT faced significant challenges as Fazal's original family residence and property had been sold, and the family had relocated, making traditional tracing methods difficult.

The breakthrough came through intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering. Upon receiving credible information that Fazal was planning to return to his hometown, the police intensified their monitoring. Fazal arrived in Kerala from Ireland on September 6, 2026, and was promptly taken into custody by the SIT in Kannur town.

Did You Know?: A 'Proclaimed Offender' is a legal status given to individuals who evade arrest or fail to appear in court, allowing police to take stricter actions against them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When was the original crime committed?
Answer: The attack on Sunil Kumar took place on January 3, 1997.

Question 2: Which countries did the accused live in while absconding?
Answer: The accused lived in Dubai, Poland, and Ireland.