Workplace harassment at Coir Board; officer who lodged complaint dies, family to approach High Court

KOCHI: A female officer who had complained of workplace harassment at the Coir Board headquarters passed away on Monday. Jolly Madhu (56), a Section Officer, succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. Her family alleges that the mental stress and harassment she endured from her superiors, including the Coir Board Chairman, led to her deteriorating health.

According to her family, Jolly, a widow and cancer survivor, was transferred to Andhra Pradesh six months ago, despite her serious health condition. Although she submitted medical documents to support her case, her appeal for reconsideration was denied. Her salary was withheld, and she suffered immense stress, which allegedly led to a cerebral haemorrhage on January 30. Jolly had written letters to the Prime Minister’s Office and the President of India regarding the workplace harassment she was facing. Her family said that she faced retaliatory actions for raising these concerns.

"Senior officials subjected her to mental harassment because she refused to participate in corrupt practices. They pressured her to sign a file, but she refused. As a result, she faced severe harassment at work. She was even forced to apologize publicly in front of the Chairman, but she did not comply. Because of this, she was transferred to a remote village in Andhra Pradesh as punishment. We are planning to approach the High Court seeking justice," Jolly's brother said.