KOZHIKODE: Though his life-saving act of kindness put his life on the line, Linto's fighting spirit has not waned. Linto, who will be contesting as the LDF candidate from Thiruvambady will have to seek the help of others in order to request votes. The 28-year-old was forced to depend on the walking stick after he met with a severe accident while taking a patient to the hospital.

The accident happened in 2019. When the condition of Biju, a cancer patient from Mankunnu Colony near his house, became worse, Linto stepped up to drive the ambulance to take the patient to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. However, the ambulance collided with a truck on the Mukkam bypass and Linto was seriously injured. Three bones of his leg were broken. The doctors suggested further surgery as two nerves have not joined so far.

Linto, who had contested in the recent local body election, won from Koodaranji panchayat and even became the panchayat president. He is the youngest son of Joseph and Annamma of Palakkal House. Joseph is a supervisor in a private estate in Palakkad. His family lives in Koombara in Koodaranji grama panchayat. Linto was a great athlete, who was the state champion in the 1500m race and cross country race. He had represented the state in cross country at the 2007 Goa national meet. He grew up in sports through the Pullurampara Malabar Sports Academy.