Mon Aug 18 14:15:28 UTC 2025: ## Tirunelveli Residents Voice Grievances to District Collector
**TIRUNELVELI, August 18, 2025** – Several residents of Tirunelveli district presented petitions to District Collector R. Sukumar on Monday, highlighting various issues ranging from unemployment to alleged medical malpractice and land disputes.
A group of women from Sattupathu pleaded for consistent work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP). They stated that while they previously relied on MGNREGP for income through desilting irrigation channels, work opportunities have dried up in recent months.
Balasundrarajan from Murappanadu requested action against doctors at Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TVMCH) who allegedly falsely accused him of being intoxicated at the time of a serious road accident last year. He claims that after being initially treated at TVMCH, he was transferred to a Madurai hospital where he incurred expenses exceeding ₹17 lakh. He alleges the Madurai doctors certified him as sober, contradicting the TVMCH diagnosis, and is demanding compensation from the government in addition to action against the implicated doctors.
In a separate incident, sisters Karumaeni, 56, and Arumugam, 57, from Kooniyoor near Cheranmahadevi, attempted self-immolation in protest against the delayed issuance of a “patta” (land deed) for their house built on government land. Police intervened and thwarted the attempt. They explained they had applied for the patta and, following delays, were directed by the court to have their plea considered by revenue officials.
*Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling State’s health helpline 104 or Chennai-based Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 or Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.*
First Piper 