An auto driver in Kerala who attempted suicide on September 15 succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital. Thirty-two-year-old Rajesh was allegedly assaulted by auto drivers belonging to Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) after which he attempted suicide.
Rajesh was a resident of Elathur in Kozhikode district. Two weeks back, he bought an auto rickshaw using a bank loan, and reportedly got the permissions to park the vehicle at the Elathur auto stand. However, he was allegedly harassed and assaulted by auto drivers belonging to CITU – the trade union wing of CPI(M) – who warned him against parking his vehicle there.
The CITU drivers allegedly even threatened to kill his wife. With the constant harassment, Rajesh attempted to kill himself, and succumbed on Sunday. He was critical for a week.
"As of now, there are 10 accused in the case. Two have been arrested, one is in our custody, and the rest are absconding. Sections for abetment of suicide, assault, threat to kill have been applied,” Elathur Sub Inspector Jayaprasad told TNM.
CITU leaders OK Sreelesh and Shaiju Kovath are the two accused who have been arrested. Kozhikode Fifth Class magistrate had recorded Rajesh's statement while he was under treatment.
CITU state president Anathalavattom Anandan told TNM that he doesn’t have any details about the incident yet.