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The Kerala High Court, on Thursday, July 11, granted bail to former Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Sukanth Suresh P, who faced serious allegations in connection with the suicide of his female colleague on March 24, 2025. The deceased, a 24-year-old IB officer posted at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport’s Immigration Department, was found dead near railway tracks in Chakka.
Sukanth was charged with sexually exploiting the victim under a false promise of marriage and abetting her suicide. The prosecution argued that Suresh exploited the victim financially and emotionally, with evidence including WhatsApp chats showing harassment and dominance, and that he had multiple relationships simultaneously. The victim’s father alleged that Suresh made her transfer around Rs 3.5 lakh from her salary over months, leaving her with less than Rs 1,000 during the time of her death.
The petitioner surrendered to police custody on May 26 after his anticipatory bail was dismissed. He remained in custody for 44 days before the High Court granted his regular bail. The Court noted that the IB had terminated Suresh following the allegations.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, presiding over the bail hearing, observed, “The main purposes of the investigation have already been carried out. The petitioner’s mobile phone has been retrieved and the data sent for forensic analysis. Even though the petitioner has been alleged to have sexually exploited the victim under false promise of marriage and abetted the commission of suicide, further custody is not necessary since there is no chance of the petitioner influencing the victim or tampering with evidence,” according to a Bar and Bench report.
The prosecution opposed bail, emphasising the seriousness of the charges and claiming Suresh absconded during the initial probe. However, the Court found that appropriate conditions could be imposed to prevent flight risk.
Sukanth’s counsel argued that the charges were false and that the deceased had been under severe parental pressure, which contributed to her tragic decision. The counsel also highlighted that further custody was unnecessary given the investigation's progress.
The deceased’s family, friends, and police have consistently maintained that Suresh exploited her financially and emotionally, a charge he denies, stating their relationship was consensual and mutually committed.
A First Information Report (FIR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning abetment of suicide was registered after the deceased’s father filed a complaint.
The case remains under investigation, with the forensic report on Suresh’s mobile phone awaited. The investigation also revealed that Suresh allegedly forged abortion documents related to the victim.
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.