Alappuzha: In an embarrassment to the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala, a local party leader allegedly collected money from the inmates of a relief camp near here, to pay for a vehicle which transported materials to it, following which he was suspended. The entire episode was recorded on camera.
CPI(M) District Secretary R Naser said Omanakuttan, party local committee member of Kurupankulanga, has been suspended pending enquiry.
State Minister G Sudhakaran, who visited the camp later told reporters that no one had asked Omanakuttan to collect money and it happened due to negligence of the officials.
A complaint has been registered by the police and the money collected by the Left leader was returned to the inmates, officials. Sudhakaran warned of action if someone indulged in such acts.
Meanwhile, Cherthala Tahsildar denied allegations that the district authorities were not providing money for relief camps and said she regularly visited all the camps and ensured all facilities were available in the camps. She said that she had visited the camp day a couple of days ago and no one had complained then.