Overview
- Anand K. Thampi was found hanging at his home in Thrikannapuram on Saturday evening and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
- A WhatsApp message he sent before his death said he intended to run as an independent after the BJP chose M. V. Vinod Kumar and alleged pressure from local BJP-RSS figures tied to a sand-smuggling mafia.
- The note named several local leaders, including the ward’s BJP candidate, and asked that BJP and RSS members not be allowed to view his body.
- BJP district president Karamana Jayan said Thampi’s name was never considered for a ticket and that he held no party post, while state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was shocked and would examine the matter.
- Poojappura police have launched an investigation and said a case will be registered based on statements from Thampi’s relatives, as Shiv Sena leaders claimed he had sought their backing to contest.