Housewife sets herself afire during foreclosure; SNDP union stages protest with dead body

NEDUMKANDAM: SNDP Yogam Nedumkandam Union workers staged a significant protest in front of the South Indian Bank with the body of Sheeba Dileep from Nedumkandam Asharikandam Anikunnel house, who set herself afire during a foreclosure.

Nedumkandam Union President Saji Parampath stated that the bankers, who hastily proceeded with confiscation using the police, bear responsibility for Sheeba's death. Sheeba's household faced persistent financial struggles due to frequent illnesses. Sheeba had requested the bank to postpone loan repayment.

Sheeba Dileep was the inaugural president of the Nedumkandam Union Women's Association. South Indian Bank officials and police arrived at Sheeba's residence Friday afternoon. Sheeba requested the bank officials to delay until Mondayk but when they refused, she grasped a bottle of petrol. A female police officer and bank official attempted to wrestle the bottle away, causing the petrol to spill onto Sheeba and the officer. Police then forcefully removed Sheeba, who fell, potentially igniting the petrol with a lighter in her hand. However, the bank proceeded with foreclosure proceedings despite this incident.

Following the post-mortem examination, the body was returned home around 4 pm. Union Secretary Sudhakaran Adipakkal, Board Member K.N. Thankappan and Saji Chalil led the protest. Hundreds paid their final respects. Sheeba was cremated on the house premises around 6 pm.