THRISSUR: A headload worker who formed an independent union after leaving CITU, has committed suicide. The dead identified as Saji (49) of Peechi in Thrissur was found hanging in his house. The suicide note recovered has mentioned threat from the CPM. The names of CPM branch and local secretaries were in the note.

There were disputes in the CITU unit in Peechi. A section of CITU activists including Saji had boycotted the union’s dress. They had renamed the CITU office as independent headload workers union.

Following the problems, party leaders intervened and held talks, but the workers did not comply. However, it is alleged that Saji took the drastic step for isolating him from the party after some workers returned to the party.

A clash broke out in Peechi after names of two local leaders were mentioned in the suicide note. Some activists were beaten and they sustained injuries.