‘Talks held were for Adani’; Congress boycotts all party meet convened on Ananthu’s death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress boycotted the all-party meeting called by the district collector in connection with the death of the BDS student, who died after a boulder rolled down from the lorry and fell on him.

The opposition protested as no talks were held on the compensation to be given to the family of the dead Ananthu. The Congress alleged that the discussion was held for Adani. The all-party meeting was attended by the port officials, police and representatives of various political parties.

‘Lorries overloaded with boulders should be blacklisted. The higher officials don’t allow their juniors to work, ' said Vincent MLA.

'The MVD, police and the excise department should jointly conduct fitness check of vehicles. A special squad will be appointed for overloading. Changes will be brought on the timings. The issue of allowing lorries to ply only on specific roads also came up for discussions. After speaking to Ananthu's family, a decision will be taken today itself on the compensation to be given to them,’ said district collector Geromick George.

Ananthu was a fourth year BDS student of NIMS College. The accident happened Tuesday morning at Mukkola just one kilometer away from his house. One of the boulders from the tipper lorry carrying for the port construction, rolled down from the vehicle, hit his head and then hit on the handle of his scooter. He then lost the scooter’s control and went and hit a nearby wall. The locals said the tipper was over speeded. Complaints were raised earlier against the speeding of tippers carrying stones for the port construction.