A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation driver from Kerala’s Thiruvalla, who had gone missing over a month ago, was found dead on Saturday.
The body of the 49-year-old KK Rajeev (Ajimon), was found in a water tank of a building near the Kerala RTC stand premises in Thiruvalla. The body was days old and had started to decompose, police said.
Rajeev’s body was found when an inspection was being conducted to check the water levels of the tank, reports The New Indian Express. A strong stench was emitting from the tank and when the tank was opened, his body was found inside. Police were soon informed about the incident.
The deceased’s footwear was found near the water tank and Rajeev’s family has identified that it belonged to him.
The incident possibly went unnoticed as water from the tank was only used for operations of the fire and rescue department. The tank could store up to 25,000 litres of water. The body was recovered from the tank with the help of fire officials.
Thiruvalla police told TNM that a missing complaint had already been registered by the family of Rajeev on March 3.
“Based on the missing complaint filed by Rajeev’s wife, we had registered a case under section 57 (Police to attempt to locate missing persons) of Kerala Police Act,” said the police official.
The police on Saturday have also filed a case under CrPc section 174 (unnatural death).
According to the police, it is possible that the man could have jumped inside the tank on purpose.
“Preliminary investigation shows that he was an alcoholic so it is possible that he jumped into the tank himself. He was facing some issues at his home due to his alcoholism,” the police said. The deceased is survived by his wife and a son.