Kerala CM Chandy defends minister caught in car controversy

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala Minister MK Muneer landed in a controversy after travelling in a private luxury car which hit and killed a college professor, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday came to his defence saying there was nothing wrong in ministers using private vehicles. [caption id=“attachment_2218914” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. AFP[/caption] Controversy erupted because Muneer, Minister for Social Welfare and nominee of Indian Union Muslim League, was travelling in the private luxury vehicle with a red beacon and government number plate when the mishap occurred at Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district on May 19. Responding to questions from reporters here in this regard, Chandy said, “There is nothing wrong with using private vehicles. Many of the state guest houses do not have enough number of cars. So when necessary it is usual to hire private taxi,” he said. The car used by Muneer belonged to one of his party members, Chandy pointed out. Though, the victim was rushed to a hospital by Muneer and his driver but he died early yesterday at the Alappuzha medical college. Police have registered a case against the driver. PTI