'Prize you pay for being loyal'; Social media bids tearful adieu to Malayali bus conductor

KUMILY: The harsh fate that hit a bus conductor’s life in Kumily in Kerala moved netizens of Indian social media. The death of Kumily native Ranjish, a private bus conductor, shattered many hearts across India, while others were left fuming over the situation that pushed the youngster to end his life.

News that would have never made it out of the cloistered, serene location of Kumily in Idukki got discussed across India, thanks to the prowess of social media. Ranjish died last Wednesday while undergoing treatment after consuming poison in an attempt to end his life. He was staying with his son and parents in Kozhimala. Six years ago, Ranjish’s wife went to the Gulf in the hope of work and better prospects, leaving the father-son duo back at home.

One month back, Ranjish's wife returned to Kerala and filed a petition in court seeking custody of her son. The Kattapanna court ruled in her favour, leading Ranjish to give up his son, whom he had cared for and brought up for the past six years. This was more than what he could handle, as Ranjish decided it was best to end his life rather than endure the pain.

Even death couldn’t put an end to the injustice, as the mother’s family was unwilling to send the child to do the final rites. It was after the court’s intervention that the child was allowed to perform the final rites of his father.

Locals and friends are beyond shattered as they had only good things to remember and say about Ranjish. The humble and affable youngster who never had a bad reputation to his name, facing humiliation after humiliation and then death, left the locality in tears.

Social media extensively discussed the issue and expressed serious concern over the judiciary often failing to see the plight of husbands who are victims of extramarital affairs. Social media went fuming, criticising the society and the law for failing Ranjish and thus throwing him into the throes of death. For a man who dedicated his whole life to his son, cared for and brought him up with his meagre earnings, being ignored in this style was unacceptable.

Even days after the death, Ranjish’s story has left a pang of grief in millions of hearts, while the situation that led to his death is being discussed more strongly this time.