SUV used by MK Muneer mows down professor

ALAPPUZHA: A 51-year old professor was killed after being knocked down allegedly by the vehicle in which social welfare minister M K Muneer was travelling on the National Highway at Kayamkulam late at night on Monday. The incident kicked off a controversy as the luxury sports utility vehicle in which the minister was travelling is said to be owned by a NRI businessman.

Professor Sasikumar of the Malayalam department at NSS College, Changanassery was riding a bike when he was knocked down causing a head injury that led to his death. He was a resident of Muthezhathu, Puthupally, Kayamkulam.

According to the Kayamkulam police, the accident took place around midnight at Kamalalayam Junction close to Kayamkulam KSRTC bus station when Sasikumar was going to his home in Puthupally about ten kilometers away from Kayamkulam here from Chirakkadavam  Kayamkulm town where he had rented a house.

“Though he was rushed to the Kayamkulam Government Hospital, he was referred to Alappuzha Medical College Hospital where he was declared brought dead. He was going back to his permanent home after evaluating examination papers at the rented house, ‘’ according to D Rajeesh Kumar, the sub-inspector.

The Range Rover sports utility vehicle (bearing registration number KL 56 J 999) with ‘Kerala State 17’ number plates in which the minister was travelling is registered in the name of one Yousaf C K V of Koilandy as per the details available on the Motor Vehicle Department website. He is said to be a NRI businessman.

The minister’s office clarified that he had used his friend’s car  as his official car had a mechanical defect. But it is being alleged that the placing of the ‘Kerala State 17’ board and beacon light on a private car was a violation.

Sources in the tourism department which allocates vehicles to ministers said that many ministers did not inform the department while using private vehicles with official number plates.

After the accident, the minister resumed his journey in another car belonging to a local Congress leader. The minister was heading to Malappuram from Thiruvananthapuram. The incident created tension for some time in the area as the people gathered there turned violent. 

The traffic police have registered a case against the minister’s car driver Sameer, 30, Pulinkunnu, Karakunnu, Malappuram. But he has not been arrested. The official car is also under the custody of the police. The professor is survived by wife Asha, son Gokul and daughter Garghi. His funeral will be held later.