Kodanad Case: Phone Records Sought from US Provider for 2017 Heist Clues

Police are getting phone records from the US to help solve the 2017 Kodanad heist and murder case. This is a big step in finding more clues.
By Newsroom | Crime, India |

PROSECUTION EYES PHONE RECORDS FOR BREAKTHROUGH

COIMBATORE - The protracted investigation into the 2017 Kodanad estate heist and murder case hinges on the elusive digital footprints of the accused. Prosecution sources confirm they are presently awaiting detailed reports of phone calls made by Kanakaraj, a key figure, signaling a strategic focus on establishing communication links relevant to the crime. This development follows earlier efforts to trace calls, including those made via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), linked to prime suspects Walayar Manoj and K.V. Sayan.

Kodanad case: prosecution awaiting reports of phone calls made by Kanakaraj - 1

The reliance on such data underscores a critical juncture in the case, with authorities seeking to pierce through layers of communication to connect individuals and events. Reports indicate that 245 people have been questioned thus far, a testament to the wide net cast by the investigation. The forensic analysis of eight mobile phones seized from the accused has been underway, with the findings expected to guide further interrogations.

Read More: Kochi Customs arrests 5 in 'Numkhor' luxury car smuggling ring from Bhutan

Kodanad case: prosecution awaiting reports of phone calls made by Kanakaraj - 2

Further complicating the digital landscape, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has actively sought international cooperation. The SIT has engaged with Interpol and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to obtain details from a US-based telecommunication service provider regarding specific phone numbers used by the suspects. This move highlights the possibility of cross-border communication channels exploited by those involved, adding an international dimension to the ongoing inquiry. The specifics of these international calls, reportedly occurring between April 27 and 28, emerged from an analysis of Sayan's Call Detail Records.

Kodanad case: prosecution awaiting reports of phone calls made by Kanakaraj - 3

POLITICAL PLEDGES AND PERPETUAL DELAY

Amidst these investigative efforts, political pronouncements continue to echo. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reiterated his government's commitment to delivering justice in the Kodanad case. Stalin's repeated vows, particularly after the conclusion of the Pollachi case, suggest a persistent governmental intent to resolve the Kodanad incident, though the pace of the trial itself has raised concerns. The case, which involves a heist and the murder of a security guard at the Kodanad estate bungalow of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa following her demise, has seen an interim chargesheet filed after the current administration took office.

Read More: India Buys Russian Oil Despite Global Pressure on March 7, 2026

Kodanad case: prosecution awaiting reports of phone calls made by Kanakaraj - 4

The judicial process is marked by regular hearings, with the Nilgiris district sessions court being the venue for proceedings. The court has adjourned cases pending the acquisition of crucial evidence, with the next hearing scheduled for March 19. The complexity of the investigation, spanning forensic analysis, digital tracing, and international inquiries, contributes to the protracted timeline.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

The Kodanad incident, which occurred on April 23, 2017, involved a heavily armed gang breaking into the estate bungalow and looting valuables after committing the murder of the security guard. The case gained further prominence due to its association with the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. The investigation has seen various stages, including the formation of a SIT and extensive questioning of numerous individuals. The dual nature of the crime – heist and murder – has necessitated a multi-faceted investigative approach, incorporating elements of forensics, digital forensics, and traditional investigative techniques.

Read More: Dundee Man and Woman Deny Child Assault Charges, Trial Set for April 15

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are police looking at phone records from a US company for the Kodanad case?
Police want to find out if suspects in the 2017 Kodanad heist and murder case made calls to or from the US. They have asked Interpol and CBI to get these records from a US phone company to find more clues.
Q: How many people have been questioned in the Kodanad estate heist and murder case?
Police have questioned 245 people as part of the investigation into the 2017 Kodanad estate heist and murder. They are also looking at 8 mobile phones taken from the suspects.
Q: What is the latest update on the Kodanad case court hearing?
The next court hearing for the Kodanad case is on March 19. The court is waiting for more evidence before making decisions. The case involves a heist and murder at the Kodanad estate in 2017.
Q: What did Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin say about the Kodanad case?
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has promised again that his government will find justice for the Kodanad case. He said this after the Pollachi case was finished, showing the government still wants to solve this case.
Q: What happened at the Kodanad estate in 2017?
In April 2017, a group of armed people broke into the Kodanad estate bungalow and stole things. They also killed a security guard. The estate belonged to the former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.