Thiruvananthapuram, June 18 (IANS) NS Rajappan, who rose to fame after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to his free farming service in environmental protection by collecting litter from Lake Vembanad, has claimed his sister took his money.
Rajappan, whose legs are paralyzed, is from Kumarakom, the famous tourist destination. He has been rowing his little boat for years and his job is to collect all plastic waste, including bottles that are thrown into the lake. After collecting the rubbish, he discards it and uses the money for a living.
The local TV channels showed his work and the miserable life he leads. After Modi appreciated his work, well-wishers began sending Rajappan money.
He opened a joint account with his sister Vilasini in order to receive donations from people who sympathized with his hard life.
“When I went to the bank with my nephew recently, I was told that my sister Vilasini had withdrawn Rs 5.08,000. They also took two of the small boats I got. I filed a complaint with the Kottayam Superintendent of the police, “said Rajappan.
The police have opened an investigation into the matter.
An angry Vilasini shooed the media away when they reached her home for her version.
“I don’t have to tell you what happened. Now that there’s a case, I’ll tell the police if they ask me,” said Vilasini.
–IANS
sg / dpb / bg
