Kadakkal (Kollam): A CPM panchayat member has lodged a complaint against a house owner, Priya Vinod, for allegedly unloading bricks herself from a lorry and protesting when CITU labourers demanded excessive wages. Panchayat member Rajikumari filed the grievances with both the Kummil and Pangode panchayats, claiming that Priya built a wall encroaching on the road.

Since Priya’s house falls under the Kummil panchayat and the passage in Pangode panchayat (in Thiruvananthapuram district), complaints were submitted to both local councils. Officials investigated and found that the wall was constructed just one-and-a-half feet inside the property boundary from the road — a placement considered acceptable. As a result, both complaints were dismissed by the authorities.

Priya Vinod has accused the CPM and CITU of attempting to obstruct her construction through false complaints. She stated that although the road is six metres wide, the wall is set back one-and-a-half feet. Despite this, she claims, false allegations were lodged. If retaliatory actions continue, “I will respond accordingly. I am not afraid to stand my ground,” she asserted.

The dispute dates back to the night of August 18, when disagreements arose between Priya and the CITU labourers over excessive charges for unloading bricks. She then unloaded the materials herself, which made headlines.