Thiruvananthapuram | A case has been registered against Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, the Corporation secretary and BJP councillor over an alleged forged signature, police said on Thursday.

The case was registered at the Museum police station against Rajesh, councillor Sugathan K and Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Secretary following a complaint lodged by CPI(M) councillor S P Deepak on Wednesday night.

According to police, Sugathan was detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after allegedly being involved in multiple criminal cases.

As per the FIR, the accused persons conspired to forge Sugathan's signature in the attendance book for council meetings held on February 26, March 11, and April 27 this year.

Police officials said that under the Kerala Municipality Act, prolonged absence from council meetings can lead to disqualification under specified conditions.

The complainant alleged that the forged signature was made to prevent Sugathan's disqualification, police said.

Deepak claimed that Sugathan's signature on his election nomination papers differed from the signature in the council meeting attendance book, officials said.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to forgery, criminal conspiracy and making a false document.

Sugathan was recently released from jail following a direction of the Kerala High Court.

Police will soon ask the Corporation to submit the documents and record the statements of the accused persons, an official said.