Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Jun 13: The revenue department has suspended A Pavithran, deputy tahsildar of Vellarikundu taluk, for making derogatory remarks on social media about Ranjitha G Nair, a Kerala native who tragically died in the Ahmedabad plane crash.

The suspension order was issued following instructions from district collector K Imbashankar. Pavithran had reportedly posted an offensive message on Facebook targeting Ranjitha’s profession and caste—she was working as a nurse in London and hailed from Pathanamthitta. The post was deleted after it triggered public outrage.

Kerala revenue minister K Rajan had directed the collector to submit a report on the matter, leading to the suspension.

Pavithran has previously posted several controversial messages on social media. In an earlier instance, he was suspended for making defamatory remarks against Kanhangad MLA E Chandrasekhar. Although reinstated after two months with a warning, he reportedly continued his behaviour online, prompting the government to take serious action.

Pavithran Arrested by Police

Vellarikundu police arrested Pavithran on Friday, June 13 evening after receiving complaints from women’s organisations and the public about his derogatory post. Police confirmed he is being interrogated and that further legal steps will follow.