'Never mentioned conspiracy in student’s death, twisted statement’; Minister A K Saseendran does volte-face

NILAMBUR: Forest Minister A K Saseendran clarified his statement made yesterday in connection with the death of Ananthu, a student of class 10, who was electrocuted by a power trap set for wild boar. The minister said that he never mentioned about a conspiracy in the student's death. He said that his statement was twisted. He said that he told media that there was a conspiracy in the protest that took place soon afterwards.

Saseendran's words
'I said that I suspect a political conspiracy was hatched to make this incident controversial eyeing the elections. If you examine the footage of what I said, you will understand. I also said that I am not levelling allegations but expressing doubt. The media should not participate in the attempt to isolate and attack me.

The UDF held a protest in Malappuram within half an hour of Ananthu’s death. If they were able to organize it so quickly, they were ready in advance. This is taking advantage of the election time. I said that it is not right. That is the opinion of everyone, but I did not say that there is a conspiracy in the death. You misunderstood.

What is behind the protesters saying that it was a government-sponsored murder. They said this half an hour after the child died. Do you think the government will plan to kill someone? Some media have reported that the chief minister reprimanded me. On what basis is that? I called him yesterday and informed him about the matter. He did not call me. For the last two years, there are attempts to isolate and attack the forest department and the forest minister. It is a sad thing that the media is promoting this, knowingly or unknowingly. '

Ananthu was electrocuted on Saturday. Ananthu had gone to play football with his friends as it was Bakrid holiday. While returning home after the game at around 6 pm, he went fishing with his friends in the creek at Vellakatta. The children were electrocuted after coming in contact with the power trap set for the wild boar. Along with Ananthu, Yadhu and Shanu, who were injured, are being treated at the hospital. Authorities said they are out of danger.