Singer M G Sreekumar fined Rs 25000 for throwing waste in Kochi Lake

KOCHI: A fine has been imposed against Singer M G Sreekumar for throwing a waste bag into the Kochi backwaters. A video captured by a tourist on his mobile phone shows a waste bag falling from M G Sreekumar's house in Mulavukad panchayat. The notice served asked him to pay a fine of Rs 25,000. The panchayat authorities issued the notice after examining the video footage, date, time and place.

Although it is clear in the video that the waste bag was thrown from his house, the person who threw it could not be identified. The video was posted on social media four days ago, tagging Minister M B Rajesh. The minister had also responded to the incident. The minister said action would be taken if a complaint with evidence is filed on the government's WhatsApp number 94467 00800, which is used to report complaints related to throwing garbage in public places.

On receiving the complaint, the panchayat authorities as per the instructions of the control room of the local government department, reached the spot and inspected the matter on the same day and confirmed the matter. A notice was issued under the relevant section of the Panchayat Raj Act. This was later informed to the complainant by M B Rajesh himself through social media. The minister also said that the person who provided this information along with evidence will receive a reward after the fine is paid.