THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Deputy Leader of the Opposition PK Kunhalikutty on Thursday returned to Malappuram after Mueen Ali Thangal criticised him in connection with the ED notice served against Pankkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal. Earlier, Mueen Ali had come down heavily on Kunhalikutty after the ED issued a notice to Hyderali Shihab Thangal. Kunhalikutty returned to Malappuram immediately without attending tomorrow's assembly session. Sources close to Kunhalikutty said that he would meet Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal in person and would give explanations regarding the allegations made by Mueen Ali against him.

Mueen Ali had said that Hyderali Shihab Thangal was questioned by the ED because of Kunhalikutty. He alleged that his father was going through severe mental stress and that he was in a state of total depression with new controversies. He said that Abdul Sameer, the finance manager appointed by Kunhalikutty, was responsible for the crisis in Chandrika daily.