Authorities intervene; migrant worker found living in dog kennel shifted to friend's house

PIRAVOM: In a shocking incident, a migrant worker was found living in an old kennel next to a house in Piravom by paying a monthly rent of Rs 500. Upon learning about the matter, municipality authorities reached the spot and shifted the migrant worker to the rented house of his friend. According to the municipality authorities, West Bengal native Shyam Sundar, a construction worker, has been living in the dog kennel for the last three months.

It was the locals who informed the authorities about Shyam Sundar living in a dog kennel by paying monthly rent to a man named Koorayil Joy. The police then took Shyam and Joy to the station and recorded their statements. Joy was released without being charged as Shyam testified that he was staying in the kennel of his own free will.

Shyam Sundar had been living on rent in various places in Piravom for the last five years. Due to his financial issues, he found it difficult to live in a house by paying high rent. Three months ago, he approached Joy through a friend and asked him if he could stay in his old kennel by paying a monthly rent. Shyam started living in the kennel after covering the grills with cardboard. He also used to cook his food in the kennel. Municipality chairperson Julie Sabu said that although ASHA workers and Haritha Karma Sena members used to go to every house in Piravom, nobody was aware that a migrant worker was living inside a kennel.