Kerala floods: Suresh Kochattil whose audio clip sparked outrage clarifies, stands by Seva Bharathi

First a video clip, claiming that only the rich were affected by the Kerala floods and that there was no need to help them did the rounds on social media. This was pointed out as fake by the Indian Army. But soon after, an audio clip by a man identified as Suresh Kochattil has created controversy over the situation in Kerala.

In the audio clip, a text version of which is posted on his Facebook page too, Kochattil, whose page claims that he is part of BJP's social media team, is heard saying that most of the people who were impacted by the floods in Kerala are from well to do families. He claimed that they do not need any handouts and there is more than what is required in Kerala now. He can be also heard casting doubt on the fund utilisation from the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, and requesting people to contribute to “organisations like Seva Bharathi” instead. The audio clip in English, which has been spread in WhatsApp groups outside the State too, led to all-round condemnation from people who have been involved in the rescue and relief efforts over the past few days.

Soon after, he posted on Facebook, "My audio appeal yesterday seems to have ruffled a lot of feathers. Some NGOs have called for my arrest for saying some unpleasant truths. I am more than happy to stand up for the truth. I said we need something on priority and that includes helping getting clean up their houses. That includes getting electricians, plumbers, carpenters, to work in all the impacted homes. This morning, I got a lot of calls from many well meaning industrialists who have promised to send. The required manpower to different parts of Kerala.

"I wanted the fund collection business by NGOs and other organizations to CMs relief fund and other not so well known organizations. No one will know where the money will end up. Instead give it to the organizations that will do good work. You are free to donate to anyone you want including CMs Relief Fund.

"My metion of Seva Bharathi seems to have ruffled many. While I am a member of BJP and the Sangh, my sympathies are naturally with Seva Bharathi. I have seen their work on the ground in Kerala, which is i recommended them (sic)."

See the full post here

Earlier, the army on Sunday issued a stern warning against those spreading ‘disinformation’ about the relief work. In the viral video, a man dressed in combat military uniform, says ‘people must not donate for the flood relief as only rich are affected in Kerala.’

The Indian Army took to Twitter to issue clarification and said that the video was fake and that no solider was involved in this. ‘Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy (sic),’ the army tweeted.

Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy.Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ncUR7tCkZW

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2018

The Indian Army has also given a WhatsApp number in case someone recives such a fake news item. ‘Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it,’ the tweet by army’s official Twitter handle said.