PALAKKAD: A 55-year-old woman, Khadija from Nellipadi, threatened to commit suicide by pouring kerosene on herself in front of the Agali Panchayat office in Palakkad. The incident occurred after her repeated complaints about a dangerously leaning coconut tree over her house went unaddressed.

Khadija claims that the tree, belonging to her neighbour Valiyathil Rupesh, poses a significant threat to her home. Despite her numerous requests, Rupesh refused to cut down the tree. Frustrated by the inaction, Khadija lodged a formal complaint with the panchayat. However, she alleges that no action was taken because she did not pay a bribe.

In a desperate move, Khadija went to the panchayat office, poured kerosene on herself and threatened to set herself on fire. Panchayat officials promptly alerted the Agali police, who arrived at the scene and managed to persuade her to abandon the suicide threat. The police assured Khadija that they would investigate her complaint, leading her to end her protest. Neighbour Rupesh has been summoned to the police station for further inquiry.