KOCHI: Twenty20 activists came forward strongly criticizing P V Srinijin MLA's response that Twenty20 activist Deepu may have died due to liver cirrhosis. They alleged that Deepu did not have any ailments and that the hospital authorities are colluding with them. Ward member Nisha Aliyar said that Srinijin has a role in his killing and the MLA would not be allowed to set foot in Kizhakkambalam, said Aliyar.

‘Deepu was beaten to death like a dog and then circulated that he died of liver cirrhosis. They threatened me when I went to enquire about the incident. "We beat him, we are CPM activists, I beat him," they shouted. They threatened to amputate his leg if he steps in the ward after five o'clock. They threatened him and made him sit home. That is why his treatment was delayed.

He was taken to the hospital two days late and that too after he vomited blood. He was shifted to the ventilator as soon as he was brought. Then he said that if he is taken from the ventilator, he will not survive. They said it was a brain death. They kept him there for two days. The MLA is behind all this, she said.

Deepu, a Twenty20 activist, was beaten up by CPM activists during a candlelight protest against Kunnathunadu MLA P V Srinijin in Kizhakambalam last Saturday. The activists have gathered in front of the hospital in Aluva where Deepu's body is kept. Meanwhile, relatives have also complained that there is an attempt to sabotage the post-mortem.

Meantime, the MLA said the allegation against him is politically motivated. A police probe is on and that he has no role in it, he said.