Karnataka - Bangalore

Sandeep’s father refuses to speak to Achuthanandan

Bangalore: Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan found themselves in a piquant situation here on Sunday. The two, who were on their way to Thiruvananthapuram after attending their party’s Polit Bureau meeting in New Delhi, stopped for a brief while to meet the bereaved family of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who died fighting terrorists at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai.

It is said that Maj. Sandeep’s father Unnikrishnan Nair refused to speak to Mr. Achuthanandan and Mr. Balakrishnan. A relative of his told The Hindu said that Mr. Unnikrishnan was trying to come to terms with the gruesome death of his only child. “He had been maintaining composure for the past few days. It has been a difficult time for him and the family. This is why he is requesting to be left alone,” he said.

The two then expressed condolences to Maj. Sandeep’s mother Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan. Mr. Achuthanandan reportedly expressed regret at not being able to attend the funeral. Sources said that he told Ms. Dhanalakshmi that her son’s death was a loss to the nation and his act will not be forgotten. The visit lasted about five minutes.

The Kerala Chief Minister paid respects by garlanding a photo of the martyr. On Saturday, Mr. Achuthanandan came under criticism by the media in Kerala for not making it to the funeral in Bangalore.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister A.K. Antony expressed condolences to Ms. Dhanalakshmi over telephone.

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