KOCHI: Motivational speaker CP Shihab has made a serious allegation against the Magic Planet operating in Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of magician Gopinath Muthukad. In a press conference, Shihab alleged that he was mentally tortured while working at Magic Planet, which aims to improve the development of differently-abled children.

"I joined Magic Planet in 2017. My job was to supervise differently-abled children like myself and do motivational speaking. I was not allowed to use my own electric wheelchair. If the children went out during the show, the manager would abuse me regardless of my condition. He forced me to say that Gopinath Muthukad is a God and that without him, the differently-abled children would have no life. He took the money I received during the show in Kuwait, saying that customs would hold it, and tried to return it through Magic Planet's account. When I refused, he left me in Kuwait and returned. Later I was fired.

It should be examined why the government has given one crore rupees to Magic Planet when there are many schemes to protect differently-abled children. The role of Mohammed Asheel, the then Director of Social Security Mission, should be investigated. I am in fear for my life because of this disclosure against Muthukad. I am not travelling in my own car anymore. I am saying these things openly for the sake of the parents of differently-abled children," Shihab said.