Kochouseph Chittilappilly to move HC against Maneka Gandhi

Kochi: Kochouseph Chittilappilly, industrialist-turned social worker, Monday said he would move to the High Court against Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, charging her with preventing local bodies from taking action against violent stray dogs in Kerala.

"I will file a case against Maneka Gandhi in the High Court in two days," Kochouseph Chittilappilly said while ending his 24-hour long fast in Marine Drive here in protest against the alleged inaction by the government against stray dogs in streets of the state.

Chittilappilly alleged that "Maneka Gandhi's office is the source of boycott Kerala tourism campaign".

Last week, Gauri Maulekhi, Co-opted Member of Animal Welfare Board of India had issued a release criticising Chitillapilly for his alleged efforts to eradicate stray dog menace in Kerala.

"He has been attempting to kill dogs in various parts of Ernakulam and has gotten a few dogs killed through his paid men, who have now been booked under Indian Penal Code along with Chitillapilly."

"This is a shockingly blatant act of abatement of crime and a brazen attempt to undermine the authority of the Government," said Maulekhi, who is allegedly close to Maneka Gandhi, said in her release.

Chittilappilly, who has been voicing concerns over dog menace in the state, launched his two-day fast here yesterday.

"His fast is no more than election dramatics," Maulekhi had said.