Public outrage and protests erupted in Thódupuz after a 27-year-old man died on Monday evening when his motorcycle fell into a culvert under construction.
The victim, Joys Benny, a resident of Muthalakkodam, fell into a roadside ditch at around 10.45 pm on Monday while driving towards Thodupuzha. When he reached the construction site near Muthalakkodam, he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into an unguarded pit. Although he was taken to a nearby private hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident sparked immediate anger among local residents who alleged gross negligence on the part of the Public Works Department (PWD). They claimed that the authorities did not heed repeated requests to complete the pass works.
On Tuesday, United Democratic Front (UDF) activists led by district panchayat member Manoj Kokkat staged a six-hour blockade of the office of the Assistant Executive Engineer PWD in Thódupuz. The protesters demanded registration of criminal proceedings against the concerned officials and compensation for the victim’s family. The protest was called off only after the PWD authorities assured that the executive engineer would inspect the site and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also organized a protest march to the OWD office, condemning the ministry’s alleged failure.
The PWD officials said that the pit was dug by the municipal authorities for the purpose of cleaning the sewerage and imposed on the municipality to fill it up.
Joys, who was working abroad, was expected to return on Wednesday. He is survived by his mother Bindu and sister Anna. His body was taken to Thodupuzha Taluk Hospital for postmortem.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 20:46 IST