Minister seeks report on migrant worker found living in kennel in Kochi

KOCHI: An investigation has been ordered in the incident of renting a kennel to a migrant worker for a monthly rent of Rs 500. Minister V Sivankutty directed the labour commissioner to submit a report soon.

Shyam Sundar of West Bengal, a construction worker was found to be living in the kennel for the past three months. The locals informed the authorities that Joy, staying near the Piravom police station, had rented the kennel for Rs 500. Shyam and Joy were summoned to the police station and their statements were recorded. Joy was released without taking a case as Shyam told police that he was staying there on his own will.

Shyam Sundar was staying in several places in Piravom for five years. He shifted to the kennel as he could not afford to pay high rent. Through his friend, took Joy's kennel for rent. He stayed there after covering the grills of the cage with cardboard. He cooked food on his own.

Municipality chairperson Julie Sabu informed that although Asha workers and Haritha Karma Sena members go to each house in Piravom, they were not aware of any migrant worker living in the kennel. MLA Anoop Jacob reached the spot after knowing about it. Municipal authorities arrived and shifted him to his friend’s rented house.