PT Thomas laid to rest with official honours, thousands pay last respects

KOCHI: Congress leader and MLA PT Thomas has been laid to rest with official honours in what was an emotional farewell. The cremation was at Ravipuram Cemetery. The funeral was held with the song 'Chandrakalabham Charthiyurangum Theeram ..', in the background and without religious ceremonies, just as PT had requested. His wife Uma also came to witness the funeral. The body of PT Thomas was brought to the Ravipuram cemetery after a public viewing at the Thrikkakara Community Hall. A large number of people came to Thrikkakara to pay their last respects to their beloved PT. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid his last respects at Thrikkakara Community Hall.

Chief Minister met the family members of PT Thomas and consoled them. He left after talking to Congress leaders. Businessman MA Yusuff Ali also visited the Thrikkakara Community Hall and paid his last respects to PT Thomas.

Mammootty came to pay his last respects when the body of PT Thomas was brought to his house in Palarivattom. PT Thomas was a political leader with personal ties to Mammootty. Both were alumni of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam. PT Thomas, who was affected by cancer, passed away at around 10 am yesterday.

Rahul Gandhi had come to the town hall to pay his last respects to PT Thomas. Due to time constraints, the body was kept in public view at his residence for a short time. Senior leaders draped the Congress flag over Thomas' body, which was laid out for public viewing at the DCC office. Since arriving at the state border from Vellore just after midnight yesterday, thousands have come to catch a glimpse of PT Thomas along the way. Idukki district, the birthplace of PT Thomas, has given an emotional adieu to the leader.