Periya: For Kunhiraman and Lakshmi of Echithadam, Chalingal, near here, the murder of Youth Congress functionaries Kripesh and Sharat Lal on Sunday night has brought back bitter memories of a tragedy which turned their world upside down.
Eighteen years have passed since their son T V Devadas was hacked to death by a group of CPI(M) activists, but the elderly couple is still coming to terms with that irreparable loss. Ever since, they have been leading the life of a recluse, mostly confining themselves within the four walls of their house.
Devadas, who was a headload worker at a laterite mining site in the area, was just 24 when his life was cruelly snuffed out over ideological differences. He was also the Youth Congress’s Chalingal unit president.
Chalingal is not far away from Kallyott, where Kripesh and Sharat Lal were killed in a mafia-style hit-and-run attack.
Devadas had gone to his workplace in the morning, but he did not return home at the usual time. Till late night, Lakshmi, who is 64 now, waited for her son, unaware of her son’s death.
He was killed by a 11-member armed gang in full public glare inside a running bus. The incident took place on January 27, 2001.
She is yet to overcome the emotional trauma caused by that devastating event. If nobody is around her, she would go to his grave in the backyard and weep inconsolably, said her relatives.
Four CPI(M) functionaries are still serving a life-term for murdering Devadas.
Youth Congress workers in the area are taking care of the duo, providing a sense of security to them and helping them to stay afloat.
“They snatched our son from us for ever. There is nothing that can replace his absence,” Kunhiraman, 72, said, choking back tears.