No end in sight to woes of Chithralekha's family; husband attacked by suspected CPM workers

THE name E Chithralekha is etched in the memory of Malayalis for her relentless battle against the CPM, a conflict that began in December 2005 when her autorickshaw was torched by members of the CPM-affiliated trade union, CITU, following a dispute.

- LAKSHMI ATHIRA @Kannur

THE name E Chithralekha is etched in the memory of Malayalis for her relentless battle against the CPM, a conflict that began in December 2005 when her autorickshaw was torched by members of the CPM-affiliated trade union, CITU, following a dispute. This incident marked the start of a long and arduous journey for the Dalit activist and her family, who were subsequently ostracized from their village. Even after her passing on October 4, 2024, following a prolonged struggle with cancer, CPM supporters continued to target her, hurling abuse on her on social media. The harassment did not end with her death.

Her husband, Shreeshkant M, has become the latest victim. On Tuesday evening, a group of suspected CPM workers attacked him near his house in Kuthirathadam, Valapattanam, leaving him with a fractured left leg.