Sandeep’s father Unnikrishnan had snubbed Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan when they came to his house on Sunday after he repeatedly declined to see them. Sandeep’s father Unnikrishnan was upset that none of the Kerala ministers called or visited to offer condolence while their counterparts in Karnataka did.

So the commando’s father asked them to go back. “I have lost all respect for you, VS,” he said. Later, he clarified that the politicians arrived after he repeatedly said no and admitted that he “responded badly.”

Talking to Times Now, Achuthanandan said: “I have respect for Sandeep, his mother and father. If it had not been Sandeep’s residence, not even a dog would have glanced at the house,” he told the channel. “I did not expect such a reception.” There is widespread outrage among politicians of all shades over the Chief Minister’s comments. BJP state president P K Krishnadas said Achuthandanan has become a disgrace for the state. “VS inflicted wounds on that bereaved family. He should quit the post,” he said. “When People’s Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madani was acquitted in the Coimbatore serial blast case, three ministers of the Left Government turned up for the reception in Thiruvanananthapuram. The CPM has proved that the party would honour anti-nationals and insult those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.”

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said Achuthanandan’s comment is aimed at killing the NSG hero again. “While the entire country is saluting Sandeep’s supreme sacrifice, his home state is insulting him,” he said. A CPI MP from Kerala, who preferred anonymity, said Achuthanandan’s comment on Sandeep’s family was unwarranted. “He has raked up a controversy unnecessarily. It has really embarrassed all of us,” he said.

Opposition leader Oommen Chandy said: “Every Keralite, every Indian, should take pride in his sacrifice. He had embraced death for the nation. Post-death, he should not have been drawn into an unnecessary controversy.”