'Honour killing': Hartal hits normal life in Kottayam dist

Kottayam/Thiruvananthapuram: Normal life was affected on Tuesday in Kottayam district following a dawn-to-dusk hartal called by various political parties and Dalit organisations to protest the alleged honour killing of a 23-year-old man.

Shops, markets, and business establishments remained closed in several parts of the district while private bus terminus in various towns wore a deserted look in view of the hartal called by parties including the Congress and BJP.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operated its long-distance services from the district.

Kevin P Joseph, a Dalit Christian, was abducted and killed by a gang of criminals allegedly engaged by his fiancees' relatives. His body was found in a river in Kollam district on Monday.

Joseph's fiancee, whose father is a Christian and mother a Muslim, alleged laxity on the part of police when she approached the Gandhinagar police station near here with a missing complaint.

Former chief minister and Congress working committee member AK Antony said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should take responsibility for the alleged lapse on the part of police in dealing with the case.

Leader of the opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala demanded resignation of Vijayan.

Meanwhile, the body of the man was brought to his native Kumaranellore village amid poignant scenes. After locals paid their homage, it was taken for burial. Earlier, Joseph's fiancee told reporters in Kottayam that she did not get justice from the police. The police did not move even after she appealed to the Sub Inspector that Joseph's life was in danger and he should be rescued, she claimed.

Bursting into tears, she said she was Joseph's wife and would stay in his residence. Relatives of the deceased man have alleged he was tortured and killed by the gang engaged by his fiancee's brother, two days after they filed a joint application for marriage registration at a sub-registrar office near here.