A family from Tirurangadi, including a young child, staged a sit-in protest in front of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) district committee office in Malappuram on Saturday. The protest, led by Riyas Poovatt and his family, highlighted serious allegations against a local CPM leader, accusing him of obstructing their efforts to build a home for over two years.
Allegations of Harassment and Property Destruction
Riyas Poovatt detailed the family's ordeal to reporters, claiming that when they initially laid the foundation for their house, it was deliberately destroyed under the leadership of the local CPM branch secretary, Subair. He further explained that after digging the foundation on their five-cent plot, the site was filled with soil, effectively halting any construction progress. According to Riyas, Subair has consistently denied them permission to build the house, leaving the family in a state of limbo and distress.
Broader Impact on Livelihood
In addition to the housing issue, Riyas mentioned that his banana cultivation on the same land was also destroyed, compounding the family's financial and emotional struggles. This dual impact on both shelter and livelihood underscores the severity of the allegations, painting a picture of systematic harassment that has persisted for an extended period.
Frustration with Lack of Action
Riyas expressed deep frustration over the lack of response from authorities despite multiple complaints. He stated that the family had filed complaints with CPM Malappuram district committee members, but no action was taken. Further appeals were made to minister K Rajan, district secretariat member E Jayan, and the local police, yet the situation remained unresolved. Additionally, an application for land conversion was rejected, adding another layer of bureaucratic hurdle to their plight.
CPM's Response and Investigation Promise
In response to the protest, CPM district secretariat member V Sashikumar addressed the media, assuring that if Riyas and his family were indeed denied justice, an investigation would be conducted and appropriate action taken. However, he noted that Riyas's complaint had not come to their attention previously and suggested that the protest might have been orchestrated. This statement introduces a layer of complexity to the incident, hinting at potential political motivations behind the allegations.
Protest Conclusion and Future Steps
After approximately one hour, Riyas ended the sit-in protest upon receiving assurances that an enquiry into their complaint would be initiated. This development offers a glimmer of hope for the family, though it remains to be seen whether concrete steps will follow to address their grievances and allow them to proceed with building their home.
The incident sheds light on broader issues of land disputes and political influence in Kerala, raising questions about accountability and justice for ordinary citizens facing such challenges. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor whether the promised actions materialize and provide relief to the affected family.
