Kerala farmer commits suicide

Kozhikode: A 57-year-old Kerala farmer has committed suicide in a village near here after revenue officials refused to accept his land tax.

 The government has ordered a probe into the incident.

KP Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts.

Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years.

Following a huge public outcry over the incident, village assistant Sirish was suspended on Thursday for dereliction of duty.

State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate.

"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media.

Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.

State Power Minister MM Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.

"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here.