Thrissur: Kochu Velayudhan, a 77-year-old, who had been a head-load worker from Thrissur, has seen many film stars and politicians in his lifetime and always received kindness from them. With the same expectation, he recently approached actor-turned-Union Minister Suresh Gopi with a petition seeking help. The minister was attending a public interaction programme called Kalunk Charcha near Kochu Velayudhan’s home.

However, the petition was not accepted, a move that quickly became widely discussed. Velayudhan, however, says that he feels no resentment and once people know what I had asked in that letter, they will understand that I have not been insulted.

For the past two and a half years, Kochu Velayudhan and his family have been living in a cattle shed. They once had a proper house on Ittu Smaraka Road in Pullu. That house, complete with a well, cowshed, and toilet, was destroyed in June 2023 when a coconut tree fell on the roof during a storm.

Kochu Velayudhan, wife Sarojini, daughter Sheeja, son Binoj, and son-in-law Meghesh were all injured in the incident and treated at Thrissur District Hospital. On returning, they found themselves homeless. Forced to tether their cow outside, they moved into the cattle shed. The cow was later sold, and the money used to buy palm leaves to cover the shed. Plastic sheets now line the leaking roof.

Although the village provided a small relief grant, it was nowhere near to rebuild the house. Sarojini and Sheeja earn a living through daily-wage labour, while Binoj works as a tempo driver. Kochu Velayudhan himself, having undergone surgeries on his leg and stomach, is no longer able to work.

Once a CITU head-load worker and Pullu branch secretary of the CPM, he later joined INTUC. Recently, CPM District Secretary K.V. Abdul Khader assured him that a new house would be built soon, while CPI leader and MLA C.C. Mukundan also promised support.

Kochu Velayudhan, for a short period, had even worked as a security guard at actress Manju Warrier’s residence.

Minister Suresh Gopi’s response

Responding to the incident, Suresh Gopi said he does not believe in giving false hopes among people. He noted with relief that another political party had stepped in to ensure that the family would secure safe housing. The minister also said that even if political motives are involved, at least the family will get a home. That is what matters. The minister further clarified that housing schemes fall under the purview of the state government. Such requests cannot be granted or decided by a single person. It is for the state government to consider and act upon.