Kerala: Ex-minister moves toward settlement with wife

Thiruvananthapuram: Seeking to end the controversy, triggered by the domestic discord with his wife Yamini, through an out-of-court settlement, former Kerala minister KB Ganesh Kumar on Tuesday openly expressed regret for the 'unsavoury' comments made against her.

Ganesh Kumar expressed regret at a press conference on Tuesday night and appealed to the media to stop the debate considering the future of their two children. "I am also withdrawing the case filed against Yamini," he said. The family drama had reached a flashpoint last week after Kumar filed a divorce petition alleging he was manhandled by his wife. Reacting sharply, Yamini filed a complaint of domestic violence with the police which led to the resignation of Kumar from the Congress-led UDF Ministry on April 1.

The Crime Branch is investigating the complaints filed by the two charging each other with violence at home. The issue had triggered a political storm with the opposition demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy alleging that he had shielded the minister who was facing the charge of domestic violence.

Though Chandy attempted for a truce between the couple in the early stage, working out a pact for separation, it could not be implemented leading to cases and counter-cases by Kumar and Yamini. Under the proposed new settlement, a substantial share of Kumar's property would go to Yamini and their two children.

The latest mediation efforts had commenced last week after Kumar expressed willingness to arrive at a settlement through talks, to which Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Snehalatha gave her consent.