Insta
A Communist rally in Kerala
Sugathan, a 64-year-old Gulf expatriate, who had recently returned to his native place at Punalur in Kollam district, hanged himself to death believing his repeated attempts to set up a small business had been stonewalled by the cadres of All India Youth Federation (AIYF), youth wing of ruling Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala, Manorama Online has reported.
Sugathan commenced constructing a workshop on a plot he had leased from a native at Illambal. Soon after the construction of the shed, CPI and AIYF activists began demanding that he dismantle the workshop. The activists claimed that the land on which the shed had been constructed was apparently a paddy field and could not be used for any work other than agriculture.
While the disputed land was once a paddy field, the owner had levelled up the land. Many buildings, including an auditorium, were constructed after converting the paddy field. The land was no longer not suitable for farming.
As Sugathan continued to construct his workshop, AIYF cadres intensified the agitation against him and even put up their flags on the land. He has reportedly spent Rs 3 lakh for building the workshop. Sugathan's relatives and friends alleged that CPI cadres were demanding bribe to regularise the land use.
Sugathan was employed in Muscat as an automobile mechanic for 40 years. He had returned home after Oman's new labour policy came into force.
Sugathan is survived by wife Sarasamma and sons Sujith and Sunil.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest