The Kerala government has suspended a revenue official following outrage over derogatory remarks he made on social media against a Keralite nurse who died in the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. A. Pavithran, a Junior Superintendent attached to the Vellarikundu taluk office in the Kasaragod district, was suspended on Friday, June 13, 2025, after his Facebook post mocking Ranjitha G. Nair, a victim of the tragic accident, sparked widespread condemnation.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan swiftly responded to the offensive post, denouncing Pavithran's comments as "mean, spiteful, and cruel." He immediately issued an order for Pavithran's suspension upon becoming aware of the situation. Rajan emphasized the government's firm stance against such insensitive behavior, especially in the wake of a devastating tragedy.

Ranjitha Gopakumar, originally from Thiruvalla in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, was among the 241 people who lost their lives when a London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, crashed into a medical college complex. Only one person survived the crash. Ranjitha was a nurse working in the United Kingdom and was returning to her job after a brief holiday in Kerala, where she had spent time with her two young daughters and ailing mother.

Pavithran's now-deleted Facebook post reportedly contained casteist slurs and sexually explicit comments directed at Ranjitha. The offensive nature of the post ignited public fury, with many taking to social media to express their disgust and demand action against the official. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, resonating across both conventional and social media platforms.

Following the backlash, Pavithran apologized and removed the controversial posts. However, the apology did little to quell the anger, and authorities proceeded with disciplinary action.

Health Minister Veena George visited Ranjitha's family in Pathanamthitta, expressing her condolences and condemning the social media post. She assured the family of swift action against the responsible individual. A senior official stated that the police are likely to book Pavithran on charges of social media abuse under the provisions of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and the IT Act.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about responsible social media usage and the need for empathy, especially when dealing with tragedies. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and the importance of exercising restraint and sensitivity in online interactions.