A man was found dead in a well alongside a prayer hall he owned at Athani near Nedumbassery on Saturday around 6 a.m. The deceased was identified as Baburaj, 70, of Aluva.
He used to stay overnight at the prayer hall which also had rooms. According to the police, he stayed back at the hall the previous night, and his body was found in the well by his aide after he went missing in the morning. “The body was fished out from the well by Fire and Rescue Services personnel. A dog squad and forensic experts examined the scene. The body was released to relatives after post-mortem. Nothing suspicious was found during the post-mortem nor was there any injury on the body,” said P.M. Baiju, Station House Officer, Nedumbasserry.
The police later found a note left behind by the deceased. According to the note, he had allegedly taken his life owing to financial issues. A retired chief engineer of the Irrigation Department, he had also reportedly run a bar in the past though the police said they were yet to verify it.
“We will verify issues mentioned in the note. Besides, his debtors will be traced down,” said Mr. Baiju. The police have registered a case for unnatural death.
Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies may seek help and counselling by contacting the suicide prevention helpline of Maitri - 0484-2540530 or Chaithram – 0484-2361161.
