KOZHIKODE: The Opposition parties are intensifying their protest against the delay in the distribution of pension that allegedly led to an elderly man at Chakkittapara in Kozhikode taking his life on Tuesday.
A protest march was taken out by UDF workers and relatives to the Kozhikode collectorate with the body of V Joseph on Wednesday. Joseph, 77, took the extreme step after his pension and the pension for his disabled daughter were delayed.
Joseph, who was also suffering from physical difficulties after suffering a stroke, took his life days after writing a letter to the panchayat authorities saying that if the pension was not paid within 15 days, he would die by suicide.
He had also written complaints and petitions to the minister, district collector, Peruvannamoozhi police and panchayat secretary that he and his daughter’s pension should be sanctioned within 15 days. He ended his life when no action was taken.
On Wednesday, the Congress workers laid siege to the collectorate with Joseph’s body under the leadership of IUML district president M A Razak Master and DCC president Praveen Kumar.
The protesters laid wreaths in front of the barricade, saying ‘homage to the dead government’. MP M K Raghavan said the government was responsible for Joseph’s death and that the government should take care of Joseph’s family.
The Youth League workers also laid siege to the collectorate on Wednesday. BJP workers also marched to the Chakkittapara panchayat office on Wednesday to protest against Joseph’s death.
Meanwhile, Social Justice Minister R Bindu responded that a report has been sought from the social justice department officer regarding the death of Joseph.
Death of physically challenged man: HC initiates suo motu case
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday initiated a suo motu case into V Joseph’s death. Justice N Nagaresh issued the order based on media reports which pointed out that 15 days ago Joseph approached the panchayat secretary and Peruvannamuzhi police station and complained about non-receipt of pension.
He was surviving solely on the pension paid by the government. Joseph has a daughter -- Jincy, who is 47 years old and who is also physically challenged.
