Man threatens suicide over financial dispute

Thiruvananthapuram: A financial dispute over the construction of a house at Chenkal here forced a contractor to climb a coconut tree, threatening to commit suicide unless money is paid for the work done.
Suresh (49), son of Thankappan and a native of Mottakkadu at Anavoor, alleged that Vijayan (69), a native of Chenkal, the owner of the house has not paid him the full amount after the house was constructed.
He added that Vijayan is yet to give him Rs 4.5 lakh for the work done.
After climbing a tall coconut tree, Suresh demanded to find a solution to his problem immediately.
The fire force and police personnel reached the spot and tried to convince him that a solution will be found soon. Finally, after hours of effort he became willing to come down, and the fire force brought him down using a ladder.
Police have not yet registered any case.
Meanwhile, Vijayan alleged that he had paid Suresh Rs 32 lakh but he did not finish the work. “I had to spend another Rs 8 lakh for finishing the work of the 2,600sq ft house. It was a tactic by Suresh to malign my image and there is no truth in it,” said Vijayan.