A senior customs officer and his family were found dead in their residence at the Central Excise and Customs Quarters in Kakkanad, Kerala, on Thursday, February 20. The dead bodies were in a decaying state. The deceased have been identified as 44-year-old Manish Vijay, his sister Shalini Vijay (35), and their mother Shakuntala. They were natives of Jharkhand.
Manish Vijay served as an Additional Commissioner with the Central Excise and Customs under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department. The tragic incident came to light when colleagues from his office visited his house after he failed to report to work or respond to phone calls.
According to preliminary reports, it is suspected that Manish and Shalini died by suicide. However, the exact cause of their mother Shakuntala's death will be determined following a postmortem examination. The Thrikkakkara police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the unnatural deaths.
Manish had been residing in the government quarters with his family for the past 14 months. He had taken leave for a week and was expected to resume work on Thursday. His prolonged absence raised concerns among his colleagues, prompting them to check on him, which led to the discovery of the deaths.
The reason behind the deaths remains unclear. Authorities have shifted the bodies to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery for autopsy.
Manish served as the joint commissioner of customs (preventive) in Kozhikkode before he transferred to Kochi.
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.