KALPETTA: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Wednesday alleged that owner of the boat which met with the accident resulting in the death of 22 persons had received support of Port Minister V Abdurahiman to operate the services by flouting norms.
The boat owner has close connection with the minister and Abdurahiman could not escape from the moral responsibility of the tragedy, said Satheesan while attending a press conference at Manathavady.
He further said that local residents had raised complaints against the boat several times. But, the minister behaved in a rude manner with them. Leaders of ruling parties are extending all support to the boat owner.
Hence, he got permission to operate the boat despite local MLA’s complaint against the illegal service, said Satheesan. He also added that state government should be ready to hike the compensation for the boat tragedy victims.