Thara Vijayan dies with unanswered question over her husband’s mysterious death

KOLLAM: Thara Vijayan, who spent decades seeking answers on the mysterious death of her husband, passed away Thursday morning at 11.30 am. She was 90. Thara Vijayan of Vijayathara in Puthenkulam Thalakkulam, was a retired panchayat superintendent.

Her husband, S Vijayan, was the executive officer of Eroor Panchayat. She spent 45 years fighting to find the cause of her husband's death. Seeking justice for her husband, she even staged protests in front of the Secretariat along with her children. She had promised to tie her hair only after the cause of his death is known. She continued her oath from the time she started her service as a panchayat clerk until retired as superintendent.

Vijayan was found dead in a well at the panchayat office on June 23 in 1981. Since travelling to and from home every day was difficult, Vijayan used to stay in the office. He went to the panchayat office after submitting a letter requesting a transfer to the district panchayat office, after which he went missing. His body was found in the well during a search conducted.

Vijayan had alleged that the panchayat office had illegally prepared documents and paid contractors for a road being constructed by private individuals. His relatives were informed only two days after he went missing also raised suspicions.

He is survived by his children Nisha Vijayan, Advocate Shammi Vijayan, Usha Vijayan and Susha Vijayan. His sons-in-law/daughters-in-law are S Pradeep, Dr Bismi Gopalakrishnan, M R Vimal Kumar and late K S Sherimon. She will be laid to rest today.