Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, on January 28, visited the home of late Congress leader NM Vijayan who died by suicide in December 2024, and extended her support to the family. Vijayan, former treasurer of the Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC), and his son Jijesh (38) by suicide, on December 27, alleging misappropriation of party funds.
Vijayan and his son were found dead at their home on December 27, allegedly with notes saying that funds collected from various candidates for appointments in cooperative banks had been misappropriated.
Two letters allegedly written by Vijayan before he died had accused MLA and DCC president IC Balakrishnan of taking bribes for offering jobs at the Congress-controlled cooperative bank in his constituency. Vijayan also alleged he had a huge debt due to the financial transactions with the Congress leaders. The note had further allegedly named Wayanad district Congress president ND Appachan and local party leader KK Gopinathan.
Vijayan’s family has said that during her visit, Priyanka promised full financial support from the Congress and gave assurance that a commission would be appointed to probe the matter.
“She was very supportive and she clearly understood our concerns and said she will be with the family,” said Vijayan’s daughter-in-law. Priyanka’s visit has come after the Kerala Police in Kalpetta, on January 25, recorded the arrest of Balakrishnan in the alleged suicide abetment case of Vijayan and his son.
While Balakrishnan is the first accused in the case, Appachan and KK Gopinathan, the other accused were arrested and released on bail last week. All three leaders had secured anticipatory bail in this case on January 18.
The suicide note, addressed to Congress leaders, instructed Vijayan's other son, Vijesh, to deliver it to the Wayanad district police chief after 10 days.
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.
(With inputs from IANS)