THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kho-Kho star Akhila, who used to live in a house that could collapse at any moment, will get a new home in four months. The foundation stone was laid yesterday. Construction will start from tomorrow. The 600-square-foot terrace house, which includes two bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen, is being built with the help of locals led by the CPM.

Akhila, a member of the state Kho-Kho senior team and the Kozhikode University team, started receiving help after her story was published in Kerala Kaumudi on July 22. Prakash Chennithala, National President, Human Rights Protection Mission, was the first to come forward to build the house. On the same day, the Mangalore Grama Panchayat also took steps to build the house with the help of the government. However, the CPM leadership in the area decided that it was their responsibility to provide a home for the sportsperson who is the pride of the place. The house is being constructed by the Mangalore Area Committee and the Local Committee in collaboration with the locals. The organizing committee was formed with local committee secretary Abdul Salam as chairman and member Sasikumar as convener. Fundraising is done by 13 Branch Committees under LC. Methods including Biryani Challenge were adopted for this.

A dilapidated house in the name of Akhila's mother Sindhu on five cents of land in Alappuram at Kailathukonam Kurakkada in Mangalapuram was demolished. CPM district secretary Anavur Nagappan and area secretary Madhu Mullassery laid the foundation stone. The stone was handed over by Akhila. Mangalore Panchayat President Zuma Idavilakam, District Panchayat member M Jaleel and Coirfed chairman N Saikumar, Grama Panchayat member Sheela, Madhu Vengode, Yasser and Kho-Kho coach R Shobi were also present on the occasion.

On the same day that the Kerala Kaumudi news was published, the Grama Panchayat President intervened and moved Akhila and her family to a rented house. The rent is being paid by V Shashi MLA.