Family of Shijin, who went missing in Muthalapozhi, intensifies protest; stages sit-in outside coastal police station

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of Shijin, who went missing after a boat capsized in Muthalapozhi, is staging a sit-in protest on the road in front of the Anchuthengu Coastal Police Station, alleging that the steps to trace him are not effective. Shijin’s wife, Siji, along with her two children and other relatives, are continuing the protest despite the heavy rain. Siji asked them to find her husband and that she will not leave the police station until she receives clear information about his whereabouts.

The family alleged that none of the efforts taken to find Shijin since the day he went missing have been effective. CPM state secretary M V Govindan had visited Shijin’s family today. The family and other relatives arrived at the coastal police station to stage the protest after that.

The fishermen have also alleged that the authorities failed to take effective action from the time the accident occurred. They said that although the authorities were informed immediately, rescue operations were delayed until noon that day. The local residents and fishermen’s family blockaded the coastal police station and after that a navy helicopter arrived at around 2 pm and intensified the search.

One body of a person who went missing in the incident had already been recovered. Authorities have indicated that adverse weather conditions are hampering efforts to locate Shijin.