THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Neyyattinkara DySP Harikumar, the accused in the murder of Neyyattinkara native Sanal Kumar, was found dead in his house at Kallambalam in Thiruvananthapuram.

He was found hanging from the roof of his house. Harikumar had been absconding since the death of Sanal Kumar nine days ago.

Police presume this to be a case of suicide.Harikumar had gone into hiding in other states after the death of Sanal Kumar became a controversy.

Harikumar was under extreme pressure to surrender after a murder charges was filed against him. He is believed to have reached his Kallambalam house yesterday (Monday) with the intention to surrender at some police station. He also might have come to know about the very rare chance there was for getting bail. The thought of being in jail for some days might have forced him to take the drastic step, according to sources.

The body was spotted by Harikumar’s mother in law, who had gone to the house to feed pet dogs.

Soon after Attingal DySP got this information, top police officers rushed to the spot and confirmed that the body belonged to Harikumar. The body will be shifted to Medical College hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Meanwhile, Sanal Kumar's wife Viji, who was fasting today (Tuesday) said that it was God's decision and the Almighty had given him the punishment.

Sanal's sister said that the God himeself had executed his order. Echoing the same sentiments, the action council members said that they wanted other top police officers who helped Harikumar evade law and arrest to be brought before the law.

Sanal's wife ended fast soon after the reports of the former DySP's news of suicide came in.

Backstory

32-year-old Sanal was an electrician in Kodungavila. He is survived by wife and two sons. The incident took place last week around 11 pm on Monday at Kodungavila when the duo was engaged in a verbal spat over their parked cars.

Harikumar in mufti had gone to Jeweller Binu's house after parking his car. Sanal was Binu's neighbour. The DySP couldn't move his vehicle as the Sanal's vehicle was parked in front of his. He asked him to move the car and as Sanal got inside the car, a heated argument began between them. At the end of the quarrel, the DySP allegedly pushed Sanal on to the road, when the latter was hit by a speeding car that came that way then.

The DySP initially did not allow Sanal to be taken to the hospital as he wanted to make it appear he was nabbed for drunken brawl. He was taken to police station intead, according to witnesses.

Although he was first admitted to the Neyyatinkara General Hospital, doctors advised that Sanal be shifted to the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Following this, Sanal was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was declared brought dead.