Thiruvananthapuram: Journalists staged a protest against Agriculture Department Director Sriram Venkitaraman after he arrived to attend a press meet alongside Agriculture Minister T Siddique. Venkitaraman is the prime accused in the case involving the death of journalist K M Basheer, who was run over by a car.

The protest erupted during a press conference held at the Legislative Assembly Media Room. Journalists took a firm stance, declaring that they would not participate in the press meet if Sriram Venkitaraman was present. Consequently, Sriram left the press conference, allowing the Minister to resume the briefing.

The case involving the death of journalist K M Basheer in a vehicle collision had caused a massive uproar across the state. The accident occurred in the early hours of August 3, 2019, in front of the Public Office near the Museum, while Basheer was returning home from work.

The speeding car rammed into the rear of Basheer's motorcycle, throwing him off the vehicle. He passed away before he could be rushed to the hospital. Initially, allegations arose that the police had attempted to shield the accused, with public outcry further fueled by the delay in collecting blood samples, which took nearly 24 hours. Witnesses had also given statements that the occupants of the car, including Sriram, were under the influence of alcohol.