Kerala: When controversies hit Onam celebrations

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 24: Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. A festival that is to be celebrated with happiness and peace. But this time the controversies hit the festival.

Different incidents in Kerala marred the celebrations ahead of Onam.

The Onam celebrations of the men's hostel union on August 19 at the College of Engineering, Trivandrum broke the limits. The celebrations came to a tragic end when a 21-year-old Thesni Basheer was hit by a jeep that was a part of the procession.

Thesni succumbed to the injuries on Aug 20.

There were allegations that the college authorities were reluctant to take a stand initially over the issue. Though the incident took place around 4:10 pm, the college authorities informed the police only at 8 pm.

The prime accused in the case, Baiju K. Balakrishnan, who was on the driving seat, surrendered before the Kerala police on August 23. Baiju was hiding at a tourist centre in Kodaikanal and surrendered before the police when his parents were taken into custody.

Onam Feast in Operation Theatre

The onam celebration in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital also touted controversy. The Onam feast and pokkalam (flower carpet) were arranged in the anaesthesiology department with the permission of hospital authorities.

The doctors and hospital staffs were served feast near the area where surgical operations were conducted.

But the controversy related to feast was denied by Medical College Hospital Principal, Dr Thomas Mathew.

Students misuses Fire force tanker

The Onam celebration at IHRD, Adoor , Pathanamthitta also grabbed attention and headlines when the students spattered water from the Fire and Rescue Services tanker and danced on the road.

The students used a crane, tractor, lorry and an open jeep for their procession. It is alleged that the students boarded a KSRTC bus which caused disturbance to the passengers.

It is a matter of concern of how a a Fire and Rescue Services vehicle that has to be used for the public use is used by students. The Fire Force DGP has asked the Kottayam divisional officer to give an explanation on the issue.

OneIndia News