Panchayat member, mother commit suicide, trapped in fake case, says suicide note

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A former journalist of Kerala Kaumudi and panchayat member and his mother were found dead in a shed adjacent to their house. Vakkom panchayat member Arun (42) and his mother Vatsala (71) were found hanging. The two were found dead Monday morning. Arun died after sending a suicide note to the panchayat members on WhatsApp.

The suicide note said they were not able to live because of a false caste and theft cases filed against him. The note blamed the local residents Vinod, Santhosh, Ajayan and Bini Sathyan for their death. The note also said that one Saji Manilal filed the false theft case.

Due to these cases, unable to concentrate in work, not able to take a passport, and the lives of his wife and child is difficult. So, taking the drastic step, said Arun's suicide note. The letter was written on the letterhead of panchayat member. The police registered a caste case against Arun last year. The investigation into this case was progressing. Friends said that Arun was mentally distressed after being framed in a false case.

He leaves behind his wife Reema and son Thejus, a class seven student of Nilakkamukku School.