Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala state cabinet decided to recommend the release of Manichan, the main accused in the Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy, and others, without considering the prison advisory committee. Instead of seeking recommendation from the advisory committee, the state formed a committee of government secretaries.

Earlier, the supreme court directed the prison advisory committee to consider the case of Manichan. However, the state constituted a committee comprising an additional chief secretary of the home department, a secretary of law, and a Prison DGP for the matter bypassing the precedent.

The advisory board, which includes retired judges, does not take a liberal approach on release of condemned prisoners.

The government forwarded the advice of the committee to the Governor. As the Governor was not a party, the details of the case are not before him.

The Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy took place during the tenure of the LDF govt headed by EK Nayanar. Back then, it was alleged that several political leaders from the ruling front  were earning money from the accused. It is noteworthy that Manichan's release efforts started when some of these leaders occupied top positions in the present government.