Mariyakutty Alleges Ration Denial and Political Discrimination in Idukki

Idukki: Mariyakutty, who previously protested with a begging bowl against delays in welfare pensions, has now lodged a complaint alleging denial of ration. A formal complaint was submitted to the District Supply Officer on Wednesday. Mariyakutty has accused the operator of a ration shop located on Apsarakunnu Road in Adimali.

The District Officer has instructed the Taluk Supply Officer to investigate the incident and submit a report. However, Jeens, the ration shop operator from Koombanpara, has completely denied the allegations. The owner of the ration shop is identified as Annamma Paulose.

Mariyakutty claims that when she went to the shop to purchase ration, the owner intentionally caused a delay. Upon questioning, the shop owner reportedly taunted her, saying, “Go buy ration from the BJP members’ shop in Ayiramekkara.” Furthermore, Mariyakutty alleges that she was insulted with remarks such as, “Didn’t Congress build your house, and yet you betrayed them?” in reference to her political affiliation.

In response to the allegations, the ration shop operator, Jeens, provided his explanation. He stated that Mariyakutty had indeed arrived at the shop on September 1st to purchase ration, but distribution was suspended due to half-yearly accounting. The government only authorized the resumption of ration distribution from 4 PM on September 2nd. On that evening, due to server malfunctions, ration could not be issued to anyone, including Mariyakutty.

Jeens further explained that when Mariyakutty visited again on September 3rd, the server issues persisted. Ration was distributed to customers who arrived earlier during brief periods when the server was functional. However, Mariyakutty was reportedly unable to wait for an extended period. The shop operator claimed he attempted to explain to Mariyakutty that ration could only be dispensed after biometric verification was completed, but she did not heed his explanation.