Kerala trader’s suicide: Wife seeks abetment charges against CPI(M) bank
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Thiruvananthapuram: The wife of Mulangassery Sabu, a 56-year-old businessman from Kattapana in Kerala’s Idukki district, who tragically died by suicide on December 20, has called for abetment charges to be filed against officials of a CPI(M)-controlled cooperative bank.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Marykutty, Sabu’s wife, expressed confidence in the Kerala Police investigation into the alleged suicide.
Sabu, the owner of a clothing store, was found dead on the premises of the Kattapana Rural Development Co-operative Society on Friday morning. A suicide note recovered from his body accused the bank officials of ill-treatment and hindering his attempts to withdraw money from his own deposits, which he claimed ultimately led him to take his own life.
Marykutty revealed that the bank had consistently delayed their withdrawal requests for over a year and a half, with the family waiting each time, except for one instance. She also accused a bank official, Binoy, of verbally abusing Sabu and claimed the bank had deliberately refused to release the funds despite Sabu’s repeated pleas.
The family intends to submit Sabu’s phone to the investigation team, as it allegedly contains recordings of verbal abuse by bank officials. Marykutty stated that the family had been tormented by the bank for over a year and a half and called for the prosecution of the accused officials.
She further explained that Sabu had been trying to withdraw money from his account to cover her medical expenses. Marykutty, who recently underwent a uterus removal surgery, said Sabu needed the funds to settle the hospital bills. Despite having Rs 14 lakh in his account, the bank reportedly withheld the money, citing insufficient reserves due to prior loan distributions.
Marykutty said that Sabu had felt helpless and trapped, and had confided in her before taking the drastic step.
Sabu’s funeral took place on Saturday after an autopsy at Idukki Government Medical College Hospital.
The Kattapana Rural Co-operative Bank, which is controlled by the CPI(M), has come under scrutiny following the incident.
Media reports suggest that CPI(M) Idukki district committee member and Director of the bank allegedly made a threatening phone call to Sabu. However, CPI(M) district secretary Vargheese defended the director while speaking to the media.
With IANS inputs