Family allegedly evicted by house owner over rent dispute in Alappuzha

Thuravoor: A family was forcefully evicted from their rented home in Kodamthuruth panchayat's 7th ward after reportedly failing to pay five months' rent. The house, owned by Manoj of Shyam Nivas, was being rented by 78-year-old Vasu, his wife Janaki (61), and their daughters Shalini (45) and Rekha (40).

The incident occurred around 2 PM on Tuesday. According to reports, Manoj and his son forcibly dragged the elderly Vasu, who is a heart patient, along with his family, out of the house. They were allegedly assaulted before being locked out of the home. The electricity connection to the house was also disconnected.

When the family refused to leave the premises, the enraged house owner reportedly threw chilli water on them. Hearing their cries, neighbours intervened and the accused retreated from the scene. Police from Kuthiathode station arrived at the scene soon after and instructed that the family should be allowed to remain in the house for the night.

Around 2 AM, daughters Shalini and Rekha contacted local MLA Uma Thomas and informed her of the situation. She, in turn, notified MLA Daleema. The MLAs reached the spot and ensured the family was safely taken back to the house.

The following day, social worker Theruvoram Murukan was called in, and he arranged for the family to be shifted to a secure location.

Kuthiathode Circle Inspector Ajay Mohan stated that no official complaint had been received yet. However, MLA Daleema emphasised that the family itself has shown the visible signs of physical assault caused to them and that a thorough investigation into the incident is necessary.