Ramesh Chennithala assures job for Pothundy murder victims’ daughter

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the State government would provide a job to Akhila, the younger daughter of Sujitha and Sudhakaran who were murdered by Chenthamara at Pothundy over personal enmity.

The trial court had directed the government to provide employment to one of the children. Mr. Chennithala said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and ensure that an appointment order was issued soon. The government would also provide the children with legal assistance to pursue the case, he said.

Mr. Chennithala was speaking to reporters during a visit to the house of District Congress Committee president A. Thankappan on Monday.

Sudhakaran’s daughters Athulya and Akhila said the Minister had assured them of the job. They had submitted a representation to him along with a copy of the court order.

The Minister assured them to communicate the decision within a week after discussing it with the Chief Minister, they said. Akhila would get the job at the request of her elder sister.

Mr. Chennithala also said Operation Toofan, a campaign launched to curb drug-related activities, had helped reduce crime in the State by 30%. He said reported murders and violent incidents had also declined, crediting public support for the campaign’s progress.

A campaign event featuring actor Mohanlal and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay was planned in Kochi for the second week of November, he said.

The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police have been conducting extensive inspections. Offenders would face licence cancellation, while those responsible for fatal accidents could face serious charges, including murder, he said.

Referring to the accident at Nedumbassery in which three youngsters were killed, Mr. Chennithala said the incident should serve as a warning against drunk-driving. He questioned why such behaviour should be tolerated when strict restrictions applied in Arabian Gulf countries.

Spa regulations

He also announced plans to regulate spas across Keralam, citing reports of sexual exploitation at some establishments. The government would conduct strict inspections and introduce new legislation to regulate the sector, he said.

He questioned whether existing licences issued under the Shops and Establishments Act were sufficient to govern spa operations.