Malappuram: Charity worker Shameer Kunnamangalam has returned the Toyota Innova Crysta gifted to him by the family of the patient for whom he had raised over Rs 3 crore for treatment.

Shameer was gifted the multi-utility vehicle (MUV) at an event in Kondotty last Thursday. But he was criticised severely after several people commented on social media that the funds raised for treatment were misused. Many questioned whether the money collected was used ethically and accused Shameer of personally benefiting from the charity campaign.

Kondotty MLA T V Ibrahim, who was also at the event, said he was unaware of the family's decision to gift the MUV. "As the chairman of the treatment committee, I was not consulted about this. I was displeased with the situation and expressed my dissatisfaction to the committee members," he said.

Meanwhile, Shameer clarified that not a single rupee from the collected funds was used to purchase the car. "Initially, I hesitated to accept the gift but later agreed. However, due to the growing controversy, I have decided to return the vehicle to the family," he said. He also alleged that a group associated with a well-known charity worker was behind the false propaganda against him. "The controversy is being fuelled by people with personal grudges 9against me) who are trying to tarnish my reputation and portray me as corrupt," he added.

The patient's family members said they had gifted Shameer a pre-owned vehicle and that the money to purchase it was not taken from the amount raised for the treatment.