Panchayat Secretary threatens suicide after being locked inside office by president and women members

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a dramatic incident, the Panchayat Secretary of Vellanad Panchayat allegedly threatened to commit suicide after she was locked inside the office by the Panchayat President and two women members. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the panchayat office.

According to reports, when Secretary Sindhu returned to the Panchayat office after visiting the Collectorate, Panchayat President Vellanad Sasi allegedly grabbed the driver by the neck and tried to take the office key. Later, when Sindhu was about to leave after office hours, she was locked inside the office. As Sindhu raised an alarm, other members rushed to the spot. During the commotion, she took a knife used for cutting cake from her bag and threatened to commit suicide. Panchayat members immediately intervened and took the knife away.

Police reached the spot after learning about the incident and held discussions with both sides, but no immediate resolution was reached. Finally, the police warned that if the issue was not settled, the Panchayat vehicle would be taken to the police station and a case would be registered.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that the President spoke harshly to ASI Girija and shouted at the police, questioning their authority and warning them not to touch the Panchayat vehicle.

The verbal clash took place in the presence of locals. Secretary Sindhu told police officials that her life was in danger and that the Panchayat President and the women members would be responsible if anything happened to her. On the other hand, President Vellanad Sasi claimed that the Secretary was responsible for the ongoing issues in the Panchayat and alleged that she tried to attack them.