Former Panchayat president Jismol's suicide; Husband and father-in-law grilled by police

KOTTAYAM: The father-in-law and husband of Jismol, who committed suicide with her two daughters, were questioned by police on Wednesday. Jimmy and his father Thomas, natives of Neericadu, appeared for questioning. The investigation is being conducted on a complaint filed by Jismol’s family.

The police said that a decision regarding the arrest can only be made after the interrogation is completed.

The family had filed a complaint with the Chief Minister on Tuesday. Former panchayat president and lawyer Jismol Thomas (34), and her children Noah (5) and Nora (2) were found dead in Meenachil river on April 15. After a failed suicide attempt at home, Jismol went to Pallikkunnu pier with her children and committed suicide by jumping into the Meenachil River. Jismol had been practising as a lawyer in the High Court and Pala.

It was her brother who first revealed the domestic torture Jismol was subjected to by her in-laws and husband. Later, Jismol’s close friend opened up about their last phone call when Jismol told her about the torture and abuse she was going through in the name of skin colour.