The Range Rover Evoque that the minister was travelling in
The Kerala professor who was run over by a minister's car will be cremated today, four days after the accident that has triggered a controversy as the SUV is owned by an industrialist, but was equipped with the accouterments of a government vehicle including a lal batti or red beacon and special license plates.
Dr MK Muneer was in the Range Rover on Monday night, which was claiming right of way with its lal batti flashing, when the driver hit Professor Shashi Kumar, who was heading home on a scooter. The minister rushed the injured professor to a hospital where he died the next day.
Dr Muneer, who is a member of the Muslim League which is a part of the coalition government, told NDTV, "We did not flout any rules, in fact I was with the professor for almost an hour at the Taluk Hospital."
His driver has been charged with rash and negligent driving. The driver was arrested and let out on bail immediately, as is the procedure under section 304 IPC.
Both Dr Muneer and Chief Minister Oomen Chandy say that ministers are allowed to use private cars as official vehicles, provided officials in the Transport Department are notified of the details. Dr Muneer's office had followed this process, said the government.
The minister also claims that his car was proceeding with the flashing red light to comply with the rules.
"If I was not using the red beacon on the private vehicle, the story would have turned around and I would have been questioned for breaking the rules," he said.
However, government guidelines state that ministers and other officials are allowed to use the lal batti while on duty; they do not list this as a requirement.
The professor's family has refused to comment on the accident.