KOLLAM: In the incident in which a Gulf returnee allegedly committed suicide at Vilakkudy, near Pathanapuram, the Kunnicode police have begun an investigation into the involvement of AISF activists in the issue. It was on Friday that 64-year-old Sugathan of Alinkeezhil Veetil, Vazhamun, was found hanging in a temporary shed he had constructed on a leased plot.
As per local accounts, Sugathan was planning to construct a workshop on the plot along with his sons to make a living after ending his 35-year overseas stint. But his plans hit a wall after the local AIYF leadership allegedly hoisted its flag on the plot saying that it was a converted paddy field.The family had then come out with the allegation it was out of dejection that Sugathan ended his life and added party workers had a role to play in it.
Addressing media persons, Sugathan’s son Sunil claimed AIYF activists had demanded money from them for withdrawing their protests. According to him though they were willing to pay a small amount, the protesters demanded a large sum of money which they were unable to bear.“It was to make a living that we decided to start a workshop here. We already spent an amount of Rs 3 to 4 lakh for the leased plot and the temporary shed. For us, who had troubles to make ends meet, the protester’s demand was too much to bear. I would say the party workers had a role to play in my father’s death,” said Sunil.
At the same time, Kunnicode SI Bipin Prakash said they have received a complaint about the involvement of party workers in the death of Sugathan. While saying that a case of unnatural death has been registered in the incident and investigation has started, the SI also said a case against the party workers could only be charged after garnering substantial evidence.
“We have started to record the statements from his family, relatives and locals. Let’s see what it leads to,” said Bipin.Earlier, tense moments prevailed near Punalur hanging bridge after a group of people under the banner of Workshop Owners’ Association staged a road blockade protest with the body of Sugathan. Later, on the basis of talks they had with Punalur Police, they withdrew the protest.Sugathan’s body was brought to his house at Ikkarakonam and was cremated after a postmortem examination at Thiruvananthapuram MCH.