Landslip in Idukki kills cardamom farmer

IDUKKI A 59-year-old cardamom farmer was killed in a major landslip at Kadamakkuzhi, near Kattappana, in Idukki, on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Purayidathil Benny (Sebastian P.J.), a resident of Vallakkadavu in Idukki. According to the police, the incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday, while Benny and his wife were working in their cardamom plantation.

A landslip on the hill caused debris to crash onto the plantation, trapping the farmer between a water tank and a large boulder. His body was recovered after a strenuous rescue effort, while his wife escaped unhurt. The body has been shifted for a post-mortem examination. Other workers in the near by plantations also narrowly escaped the incident.

A local resident said a huge sound was heard from the hill, and they found the actual scene upon reaching the spot. “Nearly 20 people working on a nearby cardamom farm narrowly escaped the landslip,” he said. Following directives from Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, a team led by Deputy Collector Binu Joseph inspected the site.