THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to the controversies surrounding the appointment of IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman as Alappuzha Collector. According to the CM, a person who is part of government service has to carry out different responsibilities at each stage.

"Journalist KM Basheer, who died after being hit by the car driven by Sriram Venkitaraman, was a friend of all of us. However, a person who is part of government service has to carry out different responsibilities at each stage," CM said.

"There has been no compromise in Basheer's case. We have taken only stronger measures and will continue to do so. But in other matters, the government only needs to look into whether there is any lapse in official performance," he said.

Meanwhile, Sriram Venkitaraman on Tuesday took charge as Alappuzha District Collector amid heavy protests.