Kannur: It took the life of an enterprising businessman for a local self-governing body in Kerala's Kannur district to grant clearance for his dream project. The nod for Partha Convention Centre built by NRI businessman late Sajen Parayil came after a few minor alterations were made in the building to meet the demand of the Left-ruled Anthoor Municipality. However, it took only four days work and expenses of Rs. 50,000 to rectify the flaws flagged by the municipal authorities so that the coveted NOC could be procured.
Sajen, who killed himself on June 18, had invested over Rs 15 crore to build the convention centre. He was reportedly in distress after the municipality rejected an operational clearance citing flimsy reasons. Sajen's family had categorically stated that he had ended his life due to the obstinate stand of the Muncipality chairperson, Shyamala PK, who is the wife of CPM central committee member M V Govindan
After Sajen’s death and the political uproar, the municipality constituted a team which inspected the site and recommended five ‘minor’ changes. The only major change suggested was a change in the location of the water tank, reportedly constructed at a place which should not have any structures.
The other rectifications include installation of less than half a dozen commodes and a washbasin in the men’s washroom. To delay handing over clearance papers, the municipality had pointed, among other issues, that a ramp near the main entrance had 5 cm lower gradient than allowed, the gap between the balcony railing and the row of chairs was higher by 50 cm etc.
Convention centre manager Sajeevan said these were too minor corrections and were done in less than four days and the cost was under Rs. 50,000. He said Sajen’s death could have been prevented if the local body had specified the corrections earlier.
Sajen’s family had sought 10 months to change the location of the water tank. But the municipality granted only six months.
Sources said Sajen had submitted the plan twice to the municipality. The local body but never bothered to specifically seek rectifications. Family sources said this drove Sajen to the edge as he was unable to operationalise his venture even after investing Rs. 15 crore.
Sajen’s wife, Beena, had earlier stated that her husband would have rectified that ‘error’ right away if the local body had specifically asked him to do so.
Municipal chairperson P.K. Shyamala, had reportedly stated that she would not allow the convention centre to function.
Meanwhile, a special team, headed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, narcotics cell, V.A. Krishnadas recorded the statements of municipal chairperson Shyamala. Sources said the team had no evidence as of now to prove any direct instigation of suicide.
