No water, no electricity... just bare floor to sleep; former panchayat member in Kollam lives a life of misery

Puthoor (Kollam): Once introduced with respect as the first elected Panchayat representative of Ponganpara ward in Kulakkada Panchayat, D Raveendran (63) was known across the region as a committed CPM ally and a familiar face to the public. Hailing from Perungulam Valiyavila, he was once a voice of the people. But today, his life paints a painful contrast, a heartbreaking sight for the very land he once served.

Raveendran now lives in a makeshift shelter that can be barely called a home. A frail body rests on a thin sheet spread on the bare floor of a half-finished room, tilted to one side. Trying to get up will be a struggle for him. Raveendran often fails to recognise the people who visit him. If laid on a cot, there is a risk of him falling, hence he was laid on the floor. The walls are incomplete, patched together with concrete blocks and covered in places with tarpaulin sheets. The home is not owned by him either, but a kind relative has given him shelter to stay.

His elder sister Vijayamma, who now lives in Karavaloor, Punalur, is now taking care of him. The place lacks basic necessities, no electricity, no drinking water connection, no toilet.

Ironically, it was his tenure as a Panchayat member and his involvement in the construction of a drinking water project that pushed him into a deep financial crisis. According to his sister, he had to shoulder huge debts personally, which later worsened with other debts. Eventually, he lost everything he owned.

Twelve years ago, he collapsed due to high blood pressure. A recent fall a month ago further worsened his condition, leaving him bedridden.