Kerala Kaumudi correspondent dies after car caught fire

KOLLAM: Kerala Kaumudi Chathannoor correspondent, screenwriter and lyricist Sudhi Velamanoor (45) was killed after his car caught fire. The incident took place around 4.30 pm yesterday on the Chatannoor Thirumukku-Paravur road in Meenadu.

Sudhi had gone out of the car just before the accident. The fire broke out after he got into the car parked on the roadside. Locals said that they saw fire and smoke rising from the car with an explosion. Although a passer-by tried to rescue Sudhi by smashing the rear window of the car, the fire had already grown more intense. Sudhi was also wearing a seatbelt. Residents of the neighbouring houses tried to put out the fire by pouring water but were unsuccessful. Later, when the fire force team from Paravur reached and extinguished the fire, he was dead. Police and the forensic team led by Chathannoor ACP Gopakumar arrived at the spot and collected evidence. The body was shifted to Paripally Medical College Hospital Mortuary. It will be released today after post-mortem.

Sudhi had written screenplays for several telefilms and songs for films and albums. He was also active in cultural and social fields. He had brought many popular problems to the attention of the authorities through his news reports.