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IUML Veteran V. K. Ebrahim Kunju Dies at 73 in Kochi

The 73-year-old IUML stalwart had largely withdrawn from public life after prolonged illness, with his later years clouded by a 2020 vigilance arrest in the Palarivattom case.

Overview

  • He died at VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi at about 3:40 p.m. on January 6 after being admitted on January 4 for complications linked to multiple myeloma, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
  • A four-time MLA from Mattancherry and Kalamassery, he served twice as a state minister, including Public Works in the Oommen Chandy cabinet, and oversaw projects such as the completion of 227 bridges statewide.
  • The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested him in November 2020 in the Palarivattom flyover case, alleging he advanced interest-free funds to the contractor.
  • Following the controversy, the IUML fielded his son V. E. Abdul Gafoor in Kalamassery for the 2021 Assembly election in his place.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer and other senior leaders issued public condolences on his death.