Former Govt Pleader 'excelled in official duties'; apology video might have led to Manu’s death

KOCHI: Manu's death was linked to mental stress caused by a viral video of him apologizing to a young woman's family at her house in connection with a rape case, according to criminal lawyer B.A. Aloor. Despite the allegations, Manu was known for his excellent performance in official duties. Aloor emphasized that inciting someone to commit suicide is a serious crime.

Manu was assisting defense lawyer Aloor in the case of Dr. Vandanadas, a house surgeon at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, who was stabbed to death. Manu had been staying in a rented house in Kollam for this case. On Wednesday, while preparing for the case, Manu called Aloor to request money for his house rent. Aloor sent him money for both the rent and the Vishu celebration. They also discussed the case.

Manu faced accusations in a rape case during his tenure as a senior Government Pleader in the High Court. The case involved a woman who sought legal help in October last year after no action was taken in a 2018 sexual assault case. She alleged harassment at Manu's office and home. A lookout notice was issued after he went into hiding. Following a court order on his bail application, Manu surrendered before the DySP in Puthankurish on January 31. He resigned as a pleader and was released on bail in July. Later, another allegation surfaced, and footage of him apologizing at the woman's house was circulated.

Manu had previously been the DYFI Koothattukulam block secretary and an SFI district office-bearer. He was also accused in a case involving the circulation of a fake notice against former minister T.M. Jacob. Eventually, he distanced himself from the party.