A Kerala government official has been suspended and arrested after making offensive and casteist comments on social media about a victim of the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport. The victim, Ranjitha G. Nair, a 39-year-old nurse from Pathanamthitta, was among the 241 people who perished in the crash on Thursday, June 12.
Deputy Tehsildar A. Pavithran, serving in Kasaragod district, came under fire for his derogatory post targeting Ranjitha, who was returning to the UK to complete formalities before settling permanently in Kerala with her children. She had been building a home in her native town and was planning to resume work locally.
In a now-deleted social media post, Pavithran wrote:
"A Nair woman from Kerala passed away. She went to the UK after taking leave from her state government job and potentially jeopardizing another person's opportunity. Not feeling anything. Condolences to all."
The post, which was widely circulated online, included caste-based and sexist undertones. Some of his later comments reportedly turned vulgar, sparking outrage among the public and prompting users to tag the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office demanding action.
Following the backlash, the District Collector of Kasaragod suspended Pavithran. A formal investigation has been launched, and police have since taken him into custody.
Reacting strongly, Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan condemned the remarks, emphasizing the lack of basic human decency in Pavithran’s behavior.
"This is not just about disrespecting women—his words showed no sense of dignity during a tragic moment," said the minister, confirming Pavithran’s immediate suspension.
The incident has reignited conversations about online hate, caste prejudice, and institutional accountability, especially in times of national tragedy.