The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led NRI businessman and builder Sajan Parayil to commit suicide here on June 18. Sajan was reportedly under stress after the Anthoor municipal authorities allegedly denied occupancy certificate for his newly constructed convention centre at Bakkalam here.
After visiting Beena, wife of Sajan, at her residence at Kottali here on Sunday morning, the Congress leader said the government should order a comprehensive investigation by an officer of the rank of the Inspector-General of Police into all factors that had led the businessman to end his life.
Stating that the government and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) were taking a stand that amounted to protecting Anthoor municipality chairperson P.K. Shyamala, who was allegedly instrumental in denial of the permit to the Partha Convention Centre at Bakkalam, he said the suicide was being taken lightly by the government.
“I strongly condemn the moves to protect the municipal chairperson who should actually be booked under IPC Section 306 for abetment of suicide,” Mr. Chennithala said.
Factionalism in the CPI(M) was behind the denial of the permit for the convention centre, said Mr. Chennithala, who was accompanied by Indian Union Muslim League Leader M.K. Muneer, MLA.
Party’s clean chit
The CPI(M) district leadership at its explanation meet at Mangattuparamba here on June 22 gave a clean chit to Ms. Shyamala, who offered to resign amid protests against her.
Sajan’s family had alleged that her adamant stand against issuing the permit ultimately led to his suicide.
Meanwhile, a special team led by V.A. Krishnadas, Deputy Superintendent of Police (narcotic cell) was constituted to probe the case. The High Court had also registered a suo motu case in this connection.
Published - June 24, 2019 11:06 am IST
