Accused in drug case hangs himself; Suspension for two excise officers

PALAKKAD: Two officials have been suspended in connection with the death of an accused arrested by the Excise in a drug case. The officers who were on duty last night were suspended. Shojo John (55), a native of Idukki and a driver, was found dead in the lock-up at seven o'clock this morning. Excise had recovered hashish oil from his house last evening. Excise's preliminary conclusion is that it was brought from Visakhapatnam for retail sale.

Shojo's wife Jyothi has come forward with a complaint alleging that there is a mystery in the incident. The investigation of the case is being conducted under the leadership of the Crime Branch DySP. Based on a tip-off, the investigation team reached Shojo's house in Kadangkode at 5 o'clock last night. During the search, the team found two kilograms of hashish oil from the house. Later, the officers arrested Shojo and took him to the Excise office and then to the range office.

Excise said that footage of Shojo hanging himself has been recorded on the office's CCTV and that departmental action will be taken against the suspended officials.