Crime Branch to probe vendor’s death

The District Crime Branch has launched a detailed investigation into a vendor’s death in Kattappana. The probe was initiated following a petition filed before the Home Minister by Marykkutty, wife of the deceased.

According to officials, Sabu Thomas, a vendor in Kattappana town, was found hanging from a staircase outside the Kattappana Rural Development Cooperative Society Bank on December 20, 2024.

A suicide note recovered from the spot stated that three bank officials were responsible for his death. The note further alleged that the officials had insulted him and attempted to attack him when he visited the bank branch earlier that day.

An audio recording of a phone conversation between Thomas and the former president of the bank, V.R. Saji, revealed that the bank president had threatened the vendor.

Despite this, the CPI(M) leadership reportedly failed to take action against Saji, who serves as a CPI(M) area secretary. Furthermore, the local police did not include Saji’s name in the accused list when they submitted the charge sheet to the court.

The Crime Branch has now taken over the case. Upon assuming charge of the probe, Crime Branch officers recorded a detailed statement from Marykkutty. The Home Department has directed the investigation team to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days.

Speaking to the media, Marykkutty stated that six audio clips indicating the involvement of the CPI(M) leader were previously ignored by investigators. “The involvement of Mr. Saji must be thoroughly probed and included in the accused list,” she demanded.