ALAPPUZHA: Sculptor Wilson Pookkayil said that the sculpture of actor Murali, made for Sangeetha Nataka Akademi was vandalized by miscreants at the initial stage. “The sculpture in the viral photo circulated on social media claiming to be of late actor Murali is not my creation. The statue in Sangeetha Nataka Akademi courtyard was made by a sculptor named Rajan. I requested the culture department to waive the amount received for the construction of the statue in the first phase because I am not able to repay it.”, he said. Wilson Pookkayil was speaking to Kerala Kaumudi on the controversy related to the carving of Murali's sculpture.

“Murali’s sculpture was made in a studio at Eroor, Ernakulam in 2019. After completing the sculpture in clay, when I arrived the next day, the eyes, nose and lips were all carved out. It was destroyed beyond repair. Although a case was filed at Hillpalace police station, the investigation report stated that there was no evidence of the sculpture being vandalized. The scuplture was made on the basis of a picture given by Radhakrishnan, who was the secretary of the academy. The sculpture was six feet above the chest on a five feet pedestal. In the first phase of the Rs 19 lakh project, 30 percent amount was received in the account. After the sculpture was destroyed, no money was collected.”, clarified Wilson. Wilson, a native of Kallarkodu, Alappuzha, lives in a rented house in Ernakulam.

Wilson will send a letter to the Chief Minister and Minister Saji Cherian requesting them to give him an opportunity to complete the sculpture of Murali. If the government takes a negative approach, the three awards of Lalithakala Akademi will be returned.

He also alleged that a member of the Akademi asked him for bribe in a previous project. "It was a massive project worth Rs 65 lakh. This official asked me to do the work of a library in his house for free if I wanted the job. They are now targeting me as I didn’t agree to that.”

Wilson Pookayil has also made other sculptures including in Vayalar martyr memorial.