Woman officer complains to collector as MLA C K Hareendran says sorry

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after Parassala MLA C K Hareendran insulted deputy collector S.J. Vijaya in full public view, the officer complained to Collector K. Vasuki about the legislator’s unsavory behaviour had caused mental agony to her. The deputy collector conveyed her complaint to Collector verbally. Earlier, Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson M.C. Josephine called up the legislator and expressed displeasure over his behaviour. “Under no circumstances should anyone speak in such a nasty manner even to a common woman. I have asked the MLA to speak to the lady official. If required we will take the statement of the official,” she said.

When contacted, Ms Vijaya told DC that the legislator had not contacted her till late Monday evening to express apologies. “He made a call on Sunday night at around 10.30 pm but I was not in a state of mind to take his call. However, I don’t want to give any written complaint to the higher ups. I am a believer, I leave it to the almighty,” she added. The officer who was completely shattered by the shouting and screaming of the legislator, said she was only doing her duty. On the Women's Commission intervention, she said it was up to the panel to take the matter forward.

Meanwhile, Mr Hareendran said he has tendered unconditional  apology to deputy collector if his words caused agony or pain to her. He maintained that he spoke in raised voice only to save the official from the wrath of the locals. The incident took place on Sunday when the local residents organized a road block at Maraiyamuttom demanding compensation to the kin of those killed in quarry mishap near Kunnathukal. The MLA lost temper when deputy collector stated that  compensation would be disbursed to the kin of the deceased after talking to quarry owners.  Earlier, the MLA and deputy collector had reached the spot to negotiate with the protester who blocked the road along with the body of the victim.