Village assistant suspended following farmer’s suicide

Kozhikode: A Village assistant has been suspended following public outcry over the suicide of a farmer at Chembanoda in the district.

57-year-old K.P. Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his land tax payments despite several attempts.

Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years.

Following a huge public outcry over the incident, district collector U V Jose suspended village assistant Sirish on Thursday for dereliction of duty.

The government has ordered a probe into the incident.

State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate.

"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media.

Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.

State Power Minister M.M. Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.

"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here.