MALAYIDAMTHURUTH: Hundreds of people flocked to Malayidamthuruthu after hearing about the shocking murder of 22-year-old Nimisha by a migrant worker. For many, the incident was identical to the brutal rape and murder of a law student in Vattolippadi in 2016, for which an Assam native was convicted. The repeated instances involving migrant labourers in Perumbavoor — which is a hub of workers from other states — is raising local residents’ hackles.
Nimisha was living along with her parents Thampi and Salomy, sister Anna and grandmother Mariyamma.
Usually, Nimisha leaves for college in the morning, but she was home on Monday as it was a holiday as examinations were scheduled to begin on Tuesday.As Nimisha, a final-year BBA student, was a familiar figure, the killing has sent shockwaves among local residents.
“We found Nimisha lying in a pool of blood in the sit-out of the house when we rushed after hearing her screams. Her pulse rate was very low,” said neighbour Roopesh K S, who is working as a nurse at the Aluva Taluk Hospital.Many plywood, tile and flour mill companies are functioning in Perumbavoor and nearby areas and many migrant workers are employed at these units.
“About a week ago, a migrant labourer attempted to kidnap a schoolboy. Though a complaint was lodged in this regard with the police, no action has been taken so far,” said Abraham, a relative of the deceased.
According to Sijo, a local resident, the arrested man — Biju Molla — had been working in the area for the past three-four months. “Though many people are providing facilities for the stay of migrant workers on a rental basis, they are all unaware about the whereabouts of the workers. Many lack identity cards and other such documents,” he added.
Following the incidents, some irate youths demanded the contractors employing migrants to send back those who have no identity cards. Some locals damaged the shelters of migrant workers and attempted to manhandle them. Though 32 persons were taken into custody, they were later released.