"Why? What was the need? How can they commit such acts for reasons this puerile?" These are the most common ramblings people use when hearing news about suicide. But these platitudes turn inconsequential for people who are adversely affected by mental trauma or other stress. The torture endured by these people may seem puerile for many, but we are willfully omitting something from the case. It is a fact that not many people have the strength to survive even a minor rebuke from officials. It is a fact nevertheless. Tears will soon fill their eyes even for some jibe from friends circle. But this case from Paravur seems different.

Aneeshya, who was working as an assistant public prosecutor in the Kollam Paravur Munsiff Court, hanged herself in the bathroom of her residence on Sunday, due to work-related stress. The voice messages she sent to her colleague just before committing the final act point to the torture she had to face from her superiors. This shows how court premises in Kerala have deteriorated their standards to turn into a dangerous workplace for women.

The Director General of Prosecution has asked the Deputy Director to submit the report within two weeks. The police have also registered a case and started an investigation into Aneeshya's unnatural death. Aneeshya’s diary also reveals the gruesome torture she had to endure from her superiors inside the court premises. The diary is now in the hands of the police. Aneeshya wrote in her diary about how her colleagues are indulging in wayward working style without completing the court procedures, all at the behest of one political party.

Aneeshya's husband is KN Ajith Kumar, who is a Mavelikara Sessions Court Judge. She also pointed out in her diary the modest background she grew up in and how hard she and her husband studied to acquire such a position in society. There was controversy and talks about an RTI filed seeking information about total leaves taken by another A.P.P. in the court. It was rumoured that Aneeshya was behind the RTI and many with strong party clout coaxed her to take back the application.

Aneeshya in her dairy points out that she was not behind the RTI. Albeit clearing the air about RTI, abuse and torture turned normal against her with many still believing that it was Aneeshya who was behind the RTI. There were also plans to transfer her to Kasaragod using political influence.

In any case, the actual fact-finding will hopefully reveal much more. There is an existing rule that makes it mandatory to set up separate grievance redressal cells for women employees in workplaces. It is not known whether such systems exist in the courts. Aneeshya could have been prevented from committing suicide if those responsible had intervened at the right time. In most offices, politics and unions form an unholy nexus to stomp down ordinary employees. Aneeshya is one such martyr.