Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala minister Dr MK Muneer was traveling in an SUV when it hit a man riding a scooter. Dr Muneer rushed the victim, a college professor, to the nearest hospital, where he died on Tuesday.
The accident has triggered a controversy because Mr Muneer was using a white Range Rover that is registered in the name of a businessman, but bore license plates proclaiming it a government vehicle. The car also had the lal batti or red beacon used to indicate a VIP is on the move and must get right of way. Police sources say they are not clear on whether the red light was in use when the accident took place.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy of the Congress, under attack from the opposition, said today, "There is nothing wrong with using private vehicles. Many time, we use (a) taxi with government number plates while in transit. The car belongs to a person from his own party."
The industrialist who registered as the owner of the car is a member of Dr Muneer's party, the Muslim League, which is a member of the coalition government.
A police case has been registered against the minister's driver who was reportedly not speeding when he hit Professor Shashi Kumar. After moving the college lecturer to hospital, Dr Muneer used another car to continue with his journey.
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