22-year-old woman who went to collect forest resources dies in inner forest; police carry body for five kilometres

PATHANAMTHITTA: A woman, who had gone to the inner forest with her husband and relatives to collect forest resources, died after collapsing in the forest. The dead body was later brought out of the forest by the police officers of the Pamba police station. The deceased is Jonamma (22), the wife of Laha Anathodu Colony native Podimon.

The group consisting of Podimon, Jonamma, Podimon's mother, other relatives and children set off to the forest on May 2. The aim was to collect resources such as frankincense.

The group stayed in the forest 5 km from Chalakkayam. Jonamma was taking medicine from Pathanamthitta General Hospital for anaemia. However, she was unable to take the medicine for the last two days as it ran out. On Wednesday morning, she complained of abdominal pain and experienced fatigue. While walking out to go to the hospital, she asked for water. She collapsed soon after drinking the water. She died shortly after.

Although Podimon returned to Chalakkayam to report the information to the SC/ST promoter and the police, he had to hide there for three hours due to the presence of wild elephants on the way. After making sure that the elephants had gone, he went to the Chalakkayam and informed the matter to the promoter. After learning about the incident, the Pamba police team led by under the leadership of SHO GS Shyamji went to the forest. Both Podimon and Jonamma are not legally married. They have been living together for two years.

The police officers brought Jonamma's body out of the forest by carrying it for 5 kilometres after wrapping the body in a cloth and tying it to forest sticks. It took about 5 hours for the officers to get there after crossing difficult forest paths and wild streams. A team comprising SI J Rajan, Grade SI KV Saji, SCPOs Samson Peter, Niwas and CPO Sudheesh carried the dead body of the woman on their shoulders. The body was later shifted to Pathanamthitta General Hospital. The inquest proceedings were completed at the General Hospital this morning and the body was taken to Chengannur Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.