Late actress's brother upset with Kerala ex-minister

Thiruvananthapuram, May 22
M. Shankar Raman, brother of late actress Srividya, expressed anguish over former minister and legislator K.B. Ganesh Kumar not executing her will even nine years after her demise.

Srividya after a three-decade-long career in the south Indian film industry passed away in 2006 after battling cancer. She had made Kumar (a legislator and also a film actor) an executor of her will.

Raman told IANS that he came from Chennai to appear before the Lok Ayukta here on Friday after he was served a notice following a public interest litigation filed by her sister's fans.

"The court asked me if Kumar had executed the will...According to my sister's will, two of my sons are entitled to Rs.5 lakh each. Long ago, I spoke to Kumar but he has done nothing," said 63-year-old Raman who is settled in Chennai.

"A trust was formed. I am told that it just met once and is virtually defunct now," added Raman.

Raman and his wife met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday, and also state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, seeking police probe into the matter.

Chandy said he will do the needful, said Raman.

Srividya's will mentions assets which include properties in Chennai, a good quantity of gold, silver, and cash deposits in banks and post offices.

Kumar has maintained stoic silence on this matter.