TVM boat mishap: Minister Antony Raju claims 4 Congressmen, not fisherfolk, conducted protests

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju on Tuesday alleged that Congress activists were the ones who protested against the ministers’ visit to Muthalapozhi in the wake of a fishing boat mishap here the other day. Four or five people alone, including two women, had raised the voice of protest there, he said. 

“Later on, we found out that the protesters were not from that town or were relatives of the deceased. The media have also reported that the protesters included the district president of the Mahila Congress, chairperson of the women’s organisation of the Latin Diocese and another woman who contested as a Congress candidate,” Raju said. 

The minister further added that they intervened in the matter on realising that it could result in a conflict in the region. “If the ministers had not made the timely intervention, then a clash would have erupted between the fisherfolk and a few Congress workers,” he added.  

When asked about the case registered against Latin Archdiocese Vicar General Fr Eugene Pereira, Raju opined, “The fishermen or the kin of the deceased have not said anything against us. We have not lodged any complaints. The police have the right to carry out their duty.” 

On Monday, Muthalapozhi witnessed dramatic scenes as a group of people confronted ministers V Sivankutty, Antony Raju, and GR Anil alleging laxity of authorities concerned which delayed the rescue mission after a fishing boat capsized, claiming a life and leaving three others missing.