The parent objects that the daughter is receiving an award from Sriram Venkitaraman at the Kozhikode function

One of the parents of a participant in the swimming competition held on Sunday (August 30, 2026) in Kozhikode city protested against his daughter receiving the winning award from IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman.

The incident took place at a private swimming pool complex in Cherootty Nagar on Sunday afternoon after a triathlon — a multi-sport event combining swimming, running and cycling. The event mainly featured children, while Mr. Venkitaraman participated in the senior category.

When Mr. Venkitaraman was asked to present the award to the girl who won the swimming competition, her father objected that “a murderer should not give it to my daughter”. He then insisted that someone else present the award to his daughter.

Mr. Venkitaraman is accused in the 2019 road accident in Thiruvananthapuram in which journalist KM Basheer died. Some of those who gathered at the venue reportedly protested the parent’s remarks, but he stood by his demand. Subsequently, Sub-Collector S. Goutham Raj presented the award to the girl.

A video of the incident was later shared on social media.

Published – 30 Aug 2026 21:16 IST