Kottayam: Public worker Dijo Kappen (68) has passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Pala after sustaining injuries in an accident.

He had spent the last four decades actively raising his voice for the rights of the common people and consumers. He also served as a trustee of the Centre for Consumer Education.

A member of the well-known Kappil family in Pala, Kappen began his public life through the student wing of the Kerala Congress. He later served as the State Secretary of KSC(M) and as Chairman of the Kerala University Union. Subsequently, he was associated with both the Mani and Balakrishna Pillai factions of the Kerala Congress before continuing his active role in public service.

He also led organisations such as the Bus Passengers Association and the KSEB Consumer Association.

His wife, Dr Mini Kappen, is Assistant Registrar at Kerala University. He is survived by three children.

Kappen had been undergoing treatment for the past six months following a vehicle accident in the parking area of his flat in Thiruvananthapuram. According to reports, while he was attempting to take his car out of the parking area, the vehicle reportedly surged forward due to a mechanical failure and crashed into a wall. He sustained serious injuries after being trapped between the steering wheel and the seat.

He had been in intensive care at a hospital in Pala for the past three months before his demise.