Kerala: Man Arrested for Abetment of Suicide of Former BJP Panchayat Chief

In a significant development in the investigation into the death of M. Ratheesh, former president of the BJP's Eranholi panchayat committee, the Thalassery police have arrested an Ernakulam native, Morappilly Vaishakh, on charges of abetment of suicide. Ratheesh was found dead at his office near the New bus stand in Thalassery in the early hours of August 3.

The investigation was triggered by a note allegedly written by Ratheesh, which reportedly mentioned Vaishakh's name. Based on this, the police registered a case and began probing the circumstances leading to the death.

According to the police, Ratheesh and Vaishakh had allegedly collected ₹24 lakh from a Kannur resident, Unnikrishnan, about three years ago, on the promise of securing a railway job for Unnikrishnan's son. Of this amount, ₹15 lakh was allegedly transferred to Vaishakh's bank account.

When the promised job did not materialise, Unnikrishnan is said to have repeatedly demanded the return of the money. However, Vaishakh allegedly failed to repay it. The pressure reportedly intensified when Unnikrishnan demanded that at least ₹10 lakh be returned by August 2.

Police suspect that this financial dispute and the alleged failure to repay the money might have caused Ratheesh severe mental distress, eventually driving him to end his life. The police are investigating whether Vaishakh's actions amounted to abetment of suicide, which is a non-bailable offence under the Indian Penal Code.

Vaishakh was taken into custody and later produced before a local court, which remanded him in judicial custody. Further investigation is under way, with the police examining phone records, bank transactions, and other evidence to establish the exact sequence of events.

The death of Ratheesh, a local BJP leader, has cast a shadow over the region, with political circles expressing shock. However, the police have urged the public to avoid speculation, stating that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated.

As per procedure, a post-mortem examination was conducted, and the body has been handed over to the family. The police have also recorded the statements of witnesses and those acquainted with the deceased.

Abetment of suicide, under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code, attracts a maximum punishment of imprisonment for a term of up to ten years and a fine. However, the charges are yet to be formally proven in court, and Vaishakh has the right to defend himself in the judicial process.

The case serves as a reminder of the financial pressures individuals can face, but the police have not commented on any broader implications. The investigation continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.