Overview

• Jose Nelledam, 57, a Mullankolly panchayat member, was found in a pond near his Wayanad home on Friday, with police citing signs consistent with self-harm including suspected poisoning and wrist injuries.
• Sulthan Bathery police said his death is under investigation and confirmed he had been questioned in a reinvestigation tied to seized explosives and liquor but was not listed as an accused.
• Kanattumalayail Thankachan, earlier jailed 17 days before a police final report led to his acquittal, alleges he was framed by district leaders including N. D. Appachan and Nelledam.
• Appachan rejects the claims, attributes the turmoil to a CPI(M) campaign, and says the party will seek action against Thankachan for what he calls false allegations.
• A day later, Padmaja Vijesh, related to a former district treasurer who died by suicide last year, attempted suicide and left a note blaming the Congress over family debts, while party chief Sunny Joseph says the party has provided aid within its means.