Overview
- Poojappura police have opened an unnatural death case and are examining possible abetment, with local BJP functionaries likely to be brought under the probe if evidence supports it.
- Anand K. Thampi was found hanging on November 15 at his Thrikkannapuram home after messaging friends; he had planned to run from the ward and announced an independent bid when he did not get a BJP ticket.
- A WhatsApp message and suicide note alleged harassment by local BJP–RSS figures and links to a sand or soil-smuggling network, and requested that BJP and RSS workers not view his body.
- Relatives told investigators he faced no family or financial crises and was distressed over the candidate decision, while BJP leaders maintain he was not on their slate and say he had taken Shiv Sena membership.
- In a separate case, Mahila Morcha leader Salini attempted suicide over fears of losing a ticket, was treated and discharged, and political leaders have called for thorough inquiries as internal party reviews are initiated.