TW: S*icide
In a case of suspected murder-suicide that highlights the lack of institutional care, a woman allegedly killed her daughter, an endosulfan victim with intellectual disabilities, and ended her life in their house at Panathady panchayat on Monday.
Although there’s a debate about whether the endosulfan issue is true or not, even pro-Endosulfan scientist Dr Sreekumar acknowledged that Kasaragod is one of the remotest districts of Kerala. Wayanad, too is like that, proving that the Kerala model isn’t perfect. Endosulfan was used and isn’t suitably disposed of. This points out that the issue is a systemic fault. Just like any other case, the underprivileged is to suffer.
Recently, the Supreme Court criticised the Kerala government for its negligent attitude in the distribution of compensation amongst the endosulfan victims. But this is not a party political issue because for years, these people have been only getting neglected by the changing governments. No government has ever issued a sound rehabilitation system for the affected to date. The Kerala model is built upon so many lies, blood and tears. Left or right may come, but the promises given during the election campaigns turn out to be sugar-coated lies.
The public doesn’t even acknowledge that in their land, which claims to be the most prosperous, there’s a segment of the population which is seen by nobody because we love to be toxically positive.
The reasons for the deaths of Vimalakumari and Reshma unravel now. It includes the loss of peace that she had to face since Reshma didn’t go to the shelter home where she was living, and the shelter home authorities said that Reshma displayed violent behaviour and harmed other kids. She had two siblings who are not disabled and are working outside Kerala. They had families and were not staying in the same home. It was one of the daughters-in-laws who turned out to be the prime witness to the death of the duo. And thus, Vimalakumari and Reshma were the only ones at their home at Chàmundikkunnu, gnawing in solitude. Vimalakumari’s partner, Raghunathan Nair, died ten years back.
Vimalakumari was a midday meal scheme worker at GHSS Chàmundikkunnu. The cheerful ambience of the school gave her hope to live, but the pandemic forced her to bring her daughter home. After the relaxation of restrictions, she wanted Reshma to be admitted to the shelter home, but she didn’t let it.
Perhaps she had no mind to engage in work with a daughter who’s disabled and stays at home. It might have destroyed her peace, just like lakhs of endosulfan affected’s parents, especially mothers. Environmental issues always impact women in a profound way. Endosulfan affected need to have more comprehensive rehabilitation plans to be implemented.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation – 04424640050 (available 24×7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ helpline – 9152987821, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm)