KOCHI: Kitex owner Sabu Jacob said he was tortured like an animal for a month in the name of raids at Kitex. Sabu Jacob's response came after Minister P Rajeev's press conference. Sabu also alleged that the government is now trying to portray him as a troublemaker.

"I'm not challenging the government or the industries minister. A businessman has been tortured in the state. A businessman has been tortured like an animal for a month. Not only the businessman but also his labourers were tortured. No one complained about it. I have the freedom to choose my path," Sabu Jacob said.

He also alleged that the government issued a memo showing that his institution, which was doing well, had committed 73 crimes. "Things are moving in the direction of shutting down the institution which provides jobs to thousands of people. What has happened so far is not a solution to the problem. 9 states have invited Kitex to invest. Talks with ministers and other senior officials are progressing," Sabu added