THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister A K Saseendran in his reply regarding the death of journalist K M Basheer told the assembly that the report of the police has not mentioned whether IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman was drunk or not at the time of the accident. The report submitted has mentioned that the reason for the accident was that the vehicle was driven carelessly. However, he did not mention whether the report has cited that Sriram was drunk or not.

The minister said following the accident, the license of the officer and Wafa Firoz were cancelled. The minister's reply indicates that the police report is evidence of efforts to save Sriram in the case.

The minister informed the assembly that as per the renewed Motor Vehicle Act, a fine of Rs 26 lakh has been levied in a week. As per the new law, fine was imposed from October 26 onwards.