Date:15/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/15/stories/2007121561830700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Probe against rights activist

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Kottayam Vigilance Superintendent of Police to inquire into a complaint against human rights activist Joemon Puthenpurackal for allegedly amassing wealth in excess to his known sources of income.

Human Rights Commission member A. Lakshmikutty directed the Kottayam Vigilance SP to submit his report by January 4. The order was issued on the basis of a complaint filed by Manual Samson of Kottayam. The petitioner alleged that Mr. Puthenpurackal amassed wealth by resorting to devious means, including threatening people. Mr. Puthenpurackal shot into prominence with the Sister Abhaya murder case. He took the initiative to form the Abhaya case action council.