Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Sep 22: In a dramatic incident on Tuesday morning, a 74-year-old man climbed a BSNL mobile tower in Badiadka and threatened to end his life, reportedly frustrated after spending 27 years running from pillar to post in government offices to obtain his land documents.

The man has been identified as P K Mohandas, a resident of Narampady and a former studio owner in Badiadka.

According to the details, at around 8:30 am on Tuesday, Mohandas climbed the BSNL tower carrying a bottle of petrol and with a noose tied around his neck. He threatened to set himself ablaze or jump off the tower if anyone approached to rescue him. Spotting him, locals immediately alerted the police.

Upon receiving the information, the Badiadka police and Kasargod fire and rescue personnel rushed to the spot. The personnel struggled to persuade the elderly man to step down. Eventually, they managed to distract his attention through a mobile phone call. Seizing the opportunity, fire brigade personnel tactfully climbed the tower and, after a tense three-hour operation, successfully brought him down to safety.

It is gathered that Mohandas had been frequenting revenue offices for the past 27 years to secure his land rights and other crucial documents. Exasperated by the alleged negligence of the officials, he resorted to this extreme measure.

Police sources revealed that this is not the first time Mohandas has staged such a protest. He has previously climbed trees and towers four times for the same demands, only to be convinced to come down each time. Alleging that the promises made by officials remained unfulfilled, he climbed the tower once again on Tuesday. In 2018, he had staged a similar protest by climbing a mobile tower on the premises of the deputy commissioner's office. Tuesday's incident marks the fifth time he has resorted to climbing a tower to demand his rights.