Suicide of coir worker; allegation that officials' mental harassment is what led to Siddharthan's suicide

CHERTHALA: A complaint has been lodged alleging mental harassment by the officials of the panchayat behind the suicide of a coir worker involved in the LIFE housing project.

Siddharthan (74) of Menassery in the 11th ward of Pattanakkad grama panchayat committed suicide on the 18th by hanging himself in a makeshift shed constructed as part of the construction of a house. Siddhartha's wife Jagadamma lodged a complaint with the Pattanakkad police seeking action against the two officials responsible for his death.

According to the complaint, the officials misbehaved with Siddharthan and his wife when they came to the panchayat office for permission to construct the house and threatened to cancel the LIFE housing project contract. Relatives said they have found a suicide note against the officials.

The official had suggested that the construction of the house should start only after he visits and verifies it. The old couple lived in a shed covered with sheets that was made after demolishing the existing house. They approached the officials several times to visit the place, but the officials sent them back citing various reasons. After the marriage of their two daughters, only Siddharthan and his wife stayed in the house. Other beneficiaries have also come forward with similar complaints against the accused officials.

The relatives said they would lodge a complaint with the chief minister, local self-government minister and minister P Prasad. Grampanchayat president TS Jasmine said that an inquiry will be conducted into the incident and necessary action will be taken.