Kochi: The officials of the Anthoor municipality in Kerala's Kannur district are set to face the music over its alleged role in driving a builder to suicide last week.
The Kerala High Court has refused to grant protection from arrest to M K Gireesh, the secretary of the municipality that is at the centre of a row after an expatriate businessman Sajen Parayil committed suicide over red tape and official apathy.
The HC did not bar the police from making arrest, while considering an anticipatory bail plea moved by Gireesh. The court also ordered to make Sajen's wife a party to the case.
The petitioner informed the court that the building permit was given to Sajen's father-in-law Purushothaman and that Sajen did not apply for building permit nor did he demand a completion certificate.
Gireesh further contented that it was illegal to make him party to the case for not giving completion certificate. He claimed he merely did his duty as the municipal secretary and there were no attempts to deliberately delay the permits. He also pointed out that he has the responsibility to ensure the safety and strength of the building where thousands of people would assemble. The petitioner also said that the occupancy certificate was not denied, and that it was under consideration.
Partha Builders' MD Sajen Parayil had committed suicide on June 18. His family had alleged that he was forced to take the extreme step after the municipality rejected permit for his convention centre over minor issues.
Approval for convention centre
The Anthoor municipality has begun procedures to give final approval to Sajen's convention centre. Secretary in-charge M Suresh, and the engineer in-charge P V Biju conducted inspections at the convention centre. As soon as they receive the chief town planner's report, they would start the procedures for giving permission. The ruling council of the municipality has also decided to call the steering committee to make a decision on giving the permit.
