Huge crowd in Kottarakkara to catch last glimpse of dear leader; Oommen Chandy's funeral procession completes just 72 km in 12 hours 

KOLLAM: Just like in Thiruvananthapuram, a large number of people flocked to Kollam district to catch a last glimpse of the late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. After about 12 hours, the funeral procession reached Kottarakkara in Kollam district. A huge crowd of people gathered at Kottarakkara Junction in such a way that the bus carrying Oommen Chandy's body was finding it difficult to move forward. Seeing the lifeless body of their beloved leader, many people broke into tears.

The police, other volunteers, and Congress leaders are struggling to control the traffic and allow the convoy to pass. The funeral procession carrying Oommen Chandy is expected to reach Kottayam DCC and Thirunakkara by midnight today.

People have been waiting all along the road since morning. The people did not retreat and stood patiently to catch a glimpse of their dear leader for one last time even when it rained heavily in between. Oommen Chandy passed away at Chinmaya Hospital in Bengaluru at four o'clock yesterday morning while undergoing treatment for cancer. The funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2.30 pm at St George’s Church in Puthuppally in Kottayam.