$60k in dispute

The family at the centre of a lifethreatening poisoning incident have still not received $60,000 raised for them by a church.

Instead, Shibu Kochummen has been asked by St Thomas Marthoma Church of New Zealand for evidence of what $42,520 released to the family in January was spent on. And the church wants the father-of-two to confirm if there was an “immediate” need for the remaining funds.

Church vice-president Naveen Eapen said the congregation felt obliged to explain to those who donated to the appeal, which raised $102,364 for the stricken Putaruru family, what the money was spent on.

Kochummen, 36, his 65-year-old mother, Alekutty Daniel, and his wife Subi Babu, 34, were struck down with vomiting, convulsions and paralysis in November last year, several hours after eating wild boar. They spent weeks in intensive care in comas.

Eapen has sought approval from Kochummen to set up a term deposit with the money for the children but Kochummen has referred the request to his lawyer.

A spokesman for the Kochummen family and church member, Joji Varghese, said he argued against setting up a term deposit.

“Who died and made the church the executor of these funds?”

Kochummen said ACC cover had finished and although he still suffered body aches and his wife had numbness in one hand, both had returned to work — Babu part-time.

He said the money would help with ongoing treatment and family support but he would not ask for it.

“I never asked for the money. I’m not that kind of person.”

Internal Affairs spokesman Steve Corbett confirmed it was preparing advice for the church that it ensures “no one gets private benefit from the donated funds”.