The Kerala Police in Kalpetta, on Saturday, January 25, recorded the arrest of Sulthan Bathery Congress MLA IC Balakrishnan in an alleged suicide abetment case of party treasurer NM Vijayan and his son. While Balakrishnan is the first accused in the case, Wayanad district Congress president ND Appachan and local party leader KK Gopinathan, the other accused were arrested and released on bail two days back. The three leaders got anticipatory bail in this case on January 18.
The court after granting anticipatory bail told the three leaders to see that they should present themselves before the probe officials whenever asked and should not influence the case in any manner. Reacting to the verdict, Appachan said he is clear and confident that he has done no wrong.
NM Vijayan and his son were found dead at their home, with a suicide note alleging that funds collected from various candidates for appointments in cooperative banks had been misappropriated. The note named Congress leaders, including Balakrishnan, Appachan, and Gopinathan, as recipients of these funds and mentioned loans taken to repay the misused amounts.
The suicide note addressed to Congress leaders, instructed NM Vijayan's other son, Vijesh, to deliver it to the Wayanad district police chief after ten days. The surfacing of the letter prompted demands from CPI(M) leaders for the immediate arrest of the Congress leaders. The entire Congress top brass was moving cautiously in this case as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is also the Home Minister, directed swift police action, leading to the registration of an FIR against the Congress leaders.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.