Farmer suicide in Kerala: Delay in land document blamed for distress, revenue department faces flak

Palakkad, Kerala: A farmer in Attappadi, north Kerala, died by suicide on Saturday, allegedly due to mental distress over not receiving the ownership document for his land, police said.

Gopalakrishnan, a native of Punchakode in Mannarkad, reportedly consumed poison in the early hours after informing close relatives of his intention, officials said.

Quoting his relatives, police said the deceased was under severe mental stress as he had not received the "thandaper" for his land. This prevented him from selling the property to raise money for his medical treatment.

Despite repeated efforts, he had not received the ownership document for his nine-acre land in Puliyara, they added.

Investigation and previous incidents

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway, police confirmed.

In October, another Attappadi farmer, Krishnaswamy from Kavundikkal, reportedly ended his life by hanging from a tree on his farmland, also allegedly due to not receiving the "thandaper" for his land.

Following that incident, Congress and BJP workers staged protests at the mini civil station in Agali, alleging that procedural lapses and delays by revenue officials had forced the farmer to take the extreme step.

(Note: Suicide is never the answer. If you are struggling, please reach out to mental health professionals and seek support. You are not alone. If such thoughts arise, call the 'Disha' helpline immediately. Toll-free numbers: 1056, 0471-2552056.)