Pathanapuram: A 64-year-old Gulf returnee hanged himself inside a shed where he wanted to set up a workshop, which was strongly opposed by the All India Youth Federation (AIYF), youth wing of ruling CPI in Kerala.

The family of Sugathan of Vazhamon at Punalur in Kollam district alleged that politicians drove him to take the extreme step. He was working in Muscat as an automobile mechanic for 40 years and returned home recently following the Oman government's policy of localization in jobs. He had plans to buy a plot and start a workshop at Ilambal but that did not work.

Sugathan then took a small plot on lease to set up a workshop. However, his woes did not end there. The plot was allegedly reclaimed (converted from paddy field to commercial plot without a change of land use permit) 20 years ago. According to rules, panchayat's permission is needed to convert paddy fields. The panchayat president had informed Sugathan that he won't get an electric connection for the shed as the plot was marked as illegally converted land in the data bank with the panchayat. Sugathan, however, ignored this advice. Soon, politicians approached him, warning him that the shed is an illegal construction and they asked for bribe to settle the matter. Sugathan ignored their open and covert interventions.

The AIYF then intensified its agitation against Sugathan and put up their flags on the land. Caught in a desperate situation, Sugathan approached several party leaders. No one paid any heed and they issued an ultimatum to him that the structure be demolished by Friday (February 23).

Sugathan left home by 4 am on Friday, saying he had to meet certain political leaders. He straight went to the shed and hanged himself. Sugathan is survived by wife Sarasamma and sons Sujith and Sunil.

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