THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has demanded an independent probe and highest punishment to be given the culprits on the death of a couple in Neyyattinkara. He also asked the government to take up the security of the orphaned children of the dead couple.

Rajan and his wife Ambili self-immolated when the authorities came to evict them from the disputed land in Neyyattinkara. The death of the couples happened when both of them were undergoing treatment at Medical College Hospital. Rajan and his family were living in a shed at Pongil in Neyyattinkara. The court has asked the authorities to evict the family from the property on his neighbour’s complaint. When the authorities came to implement the order, the couple committed suicide.

His Facebook post is as follows:

The incident of the couples committing suicide, when the authorities came to evict them was a disturbing one. If it was handled with some more sensitivity, then the suicide could have been averted. The law is meant for implementing, but the situation should be evaluated with some sympathy before going on with the official procedure.

Lakhs of people are struggling without jobs and income during this pandemic period. Rajan’s son has told media that his father was taken out from his home by officials by holding his shirt’s collar while having lunch.

His son has also told that even after asking for half an hour’s time, the officials denied it. Rajan and Ambili are the representatives of lakhs of people in the country, who are leading miserable lives due to Covid 19 and other related economic problems. The government should take strong measures to avert such a deplorable event from happening in the future. A thorough probe should be conducted over the Neyyattinkara incident and culprits should be brought before the law. Government and its representatives must interact with people in a dignified and compassionate manner. Condolences to Rajan and Ambili. At this painful time, I join them on their family’s loss. The government should take up the security of the couple’s children.