THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition has decided to strengthen protests in the incident of the suicide of Sajeevan, a fisherman of Paravoor Malyankara, frustrated over non-reclamation of land. The opposition leader V D Satheeshan has demanded investigation of the suicide. The issue will be presented in the legislative assembly, in order to prevent similar cases in future, he said. The irregularities in the Kochi revenue divisional office also need to be investigated, he added.

In the meantime, the revenue minister has announced a high level investigation in the incident. We will investigate on whether there was any failure on the revenue department’s part or not. Strict action will be taken against whoever has done wrong, said minister K Rajan. The land revenue commissioner is in charge of the investigation. He has been asked to submit a report within a week.

57-year-old Sajeevan of Malyankara Koyikkal, was found hanging on a tree branch in the backyard, on Thursday morning. He had killed himself heartbroken, over failing to reclaim his four cent of land, despite repeated visits and requests before the village office and the RDO office, for one and half years, said the relatives.

His relatives alleged that the letter found in the dead body’s dress, contained criticisms against the Pinarayi government. Sajeevan and his family had lived in a house in his four cent land. He had taken loan from a private finance company with his house’s deed as collateral. When he was unable to pay back the loan, the family decided to apply for another loan in a bank. He borrowed money from many and got back his house’s deed from the finance company. The deed when given to the bank for loan was found to be of field land in the data bank.

He had frequently visited the Moothakunnam village office, Paravoor thaluk office and Fort Kocho RDO office for reclaiming the land. It was Sathi, Sajeevan’s wife, who had found him hanging dead on the tree.

It was during an inquest that the suicide note was found from the dress.

Since there is lack of clarity in the note, it is being checked, said the police. The relatives are about to lodge complaints against the officials who had failed in their duties. Children: Nithin Dev, Ashitha Devi. Son-in-law: Rahul. Daughter-in-law: Varsha