A 41-year-old woman working as a watcher at the Harrison Estate, Kundayi, Palappilly, was found dead near an electric tower on the estate premises on Tuesday (September 22, 2026), with a suicide note allegedly blaming three factory employees for her death.
The deceased has been identified as Manjusha, daughter of Balan of Oottupurakkal. Her body was found at an electric tower around 500 m from the factory.
According to the police, the suicide note recovered from the spot names three factory employees and alleges that they were responsible for the mental harassment she had faced. The note reportedly states: “The three persons at the factory are responsible for my death.”
Manjusha had reportedly been working as a watcher within the factory premises. According to the suicide note, she had been assigned to work alone in an outside plantation area for around 20 days. The area is known for the presence of elephants and leopards, and she had been distressed about having to work there alone.
In July, Manjusha had reportedly left the workplace for about 15 minutes after obtaining permission from another management staff member. Following this, one of three employees mentioned in the suicide note allegedly sent abusive messages to her phone. Manjusha had subsequently said that she would lodge a complaint, following which she was allegedly subjected to mental harassment by the three employees.
The family also alleged that they had repeatedly forced her to undertake work outside her assigned duties.
Around three years ago, Manjusha had suffered serious injuries after receiving an electric shock from an electric fence while on duty, after which she was reportedly assigned watcher duties within the factory compound.
According to the suicide note, she was sent for duty in an area close to forest and that the move was intended to subject her to mental harassment.
Varandarappilly police conducted an inquest before shifting the body to the Government Medical College Hospital, Thrissur, for post-mortem examination.
Workers at the estate subsequently launched a strike demanding action in connection with the death and the allegations raised by the deceased.
(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling any of may call the following numbers: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056, State’s health helpline 104, Maithri – 0484-2540530. Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre – 0495-2760000.)
Published – September 22, 2026 07:48 pm IST
