Estate watcher found dead in Thrissur; note names three employees

A 41-year-old woman employed as a watcher at the Harrison Estate in Kundayi, Palappilly, was found dead near an electric tower on the estate premises on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Manjusha, daughter of Balan of Oottupurakkal. Her body was discovered at a tower located roughly 500 metres from the factory.

A suicide note recovered from the spot names three factory employees and holds them responsible for the mental harassment she faced. The note reportedly states that the three persons at the factory are responsible for her death.

According to the note, Manjusha had been assigned to work alone in an outside plantation area for about 20 days. The area is known for the presence of elephants and leopards, and she was distressed at having to work there by herself. The note also suggests that the posting near the forest was intended to subject her to mental harassment.

In July, Manjusha had left the workplace for about 15 minutes after obtaining permission from another member of the management staff. One of the three employees named in the note allegedly sent abusive messages to her phone after this. She had said she would lodge a complaint, following which, the note alleges, the three employees subjected her to mental harassment.

The family has also alleged that she was repeatedly forced to take up work outside her assigned duties. About three years ago, Manjusha had suffered serious injuries from an electric shock while on duty, after which she was assigned watcher duties within the factory compound.

The Varandarappilly police conducted an inquest and shifted the body to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur for a post-mortem examination. Workers at the estate later launched a strike demanding action in connection with the death and the allegations raised by the deceased.

Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling DISHA at 1056 or 0471-2552056, the state health helpline at 104, Maithri at 0484-2540530, or the Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre at 0495-2760000.