Former Union Minister's body laid to rest

Kochi, May 16 (UNI) Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Henry Austin died in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday.

He was 88.

Austin held the portfolio of Food and Civil Supplies, Independent Charge with the rank of a State Minister, in the Charan Singh government.

Austin won from the Ernakulam Lok Sabha Constituency in 1971 and 1977 and also served as Ambassador to Portugal.

He was laid to rest with official honours here this evening.

Austin is survived by six daughters.

His body was brought here this evening after being kept at Indira Bhavan, the headquarters of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in the state capital, for public homage.

The last rites were conducted at the Infant Jesus Church.

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy and KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, were among those present at the funeral.

District Collector M Beena laid a wreath on behalf of the state government.

He was on a visit to his daughter's place in Thiruvananthapuram when he complained of uneasiness and was taken to a hospital yesterday. He died on way to the hospital.

A condolence meeting was held near the Parish Hall after the funeral.

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