KOLLAM: Freedom fighter and CPI leader Janayugam V Bhaskaran (97) passed away on Tuesday. Bhaskaran, who was an employee of the Janayugam, was the only person in the Kollam district to receive the freedom fighters' pension from the central and state governments. He participated in the Quit India Movement and later joined the Communist Party. He had participated in several strikes of cashew nut labourers. He was a victim of police brutality and had also experienced jail time. He was honoured by the President on the occasion of the Quit India Movement anniversary. CPI district secretary Mullakara Ratnakaran, minister J. Chinchurani, Adv. G. Lalu, Adv. R. Rajendran and others offered the last rites. He was laid to rest with official honours at the Polayathodu crematorium.