Atlas Ramachandran, Kerala-born businessman and film producer passes away in Dubai
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3: A well-known NRI businessman from Kerala who once ran a chain of jewellery stores in Kerala and abroad, passed away due to age-related ailments in Dubai, UAE, on Sunday.
The demise of Atlas Group chairman M M Ramachandran, popularly known as 'Atlas' Ramachandran, was condoled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders, including BJP state president K Surendran.
Ramachandran, who was 80 years old, was planning to revive his defunct jewellery business which had gone bottoms up after he was jailed in Dubai from 2015 to 2018 for failing to settle the outstanding amount of two bounced cheques worth USD 9.2 million.
As news of his death became public, social media was rife with comments by people who expressed their sadness over his demise and said they were expecting him to make a successful comeback.
People, on social media platforms, also said that he was a humble and innocent man who was betrayed leading to his downfall.
Vijayan, in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), said the businessman was active in public forums and cultural gatherings in Dubai and had close contacts with the non-resident Malayalis.
He also helped the poor, the Chief Minister said in the statement.
Expressing his condolences, he said Ramachandran, who was a jeweller and also a film producer, died before he could realise his desire to return to his native land of Kerala.
The businessman is well known for his tagline -- 'trusted institution of crores' -- and besides producing movies, has also acted in some.
Ramachandran, born in Thrissur district of Kerala in 1942, started his career as a bank employee before moving into the jewellery business, the CMO statement said.
Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said:"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Atlas Ramachandran, Gulf based Keralite entrepreneur noted for contribution to philanthropy and culture. May his soul attain Mukti ":PRO, KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/lcLEKiPJTi
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) October 3, 2022
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Bengaluru: Police seize fake watches worth Rs 25 Lakh, five arrested
Bengaluru (PTI): Police on Tuesday said they seized counterfeit watches and spare parts of leading brands worth around Rs 25 lakh that were being sold as genuine.
The operation was carried out by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Central Crime Branch (CCB), during which five persons were arrested.
“Five shops were raided where fake watches and spare parts of prominent brands were being sold as genuine. A total of 670 watches and spare parts of 414 watches were seized. The value is about Rs 25 lakh,” police said in a release.
The action followed a complaint filed by an authorised representative of one of the brands with the CCB’s Economic Offences Wing.
According to the complaint, counterfeit watches and spare parts of reputed companies were being sold as genuine in five shops located in Chickpet, Sultanpalya Main Road, Ganganagar and Dinnur Main Road in the city.
Police said raids were conducted on March 18 and 20, during which the watches and spare parts were seized.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said efforts are underway to trace the source of manufacture of the counterfeit products.
“Those involved in manufacturing will also be identified, raided and arrested,” he added.
