Ernakulam native arrested in case relating to BJP leader’s death

An Ernakulam native was arrested by Thalassery police in connection with the death of M. Ratheesh, former president of the BJP Eranholi panchayat committee, who was found dead at his office on August 3. Morappilly Vaishakh, 40, a native of Mattur in Ernakulam, was arrested on charges of abetment of suicide. Police said the investigation followed a note allegedly written by Ratheesh in which Vaishakh’s name was mentioned.

According to the police, Ratheesh and Vaishakh had allegedly collected ₹24 lakh from Unnikrishnan, a Kannur native, about three years ago after promising his son a railway job. Of this, ₹15 lakh was allegedly transferred to Vaishakh’s bank account. When the promised job did not materialise, Unnikrishnan repeatedly demanded that the money be returned, but Vaishakh allegedly failed to repay it.

Unnikrishnan had reportedly demanded that Vaishakh return ₹10 lakh by August 2. Police suspect that the financial dispute and the alleged failure to repay the money caused Ratheesh severe distress and led to him end his life. Ratheesh was found dead at his office near the New bus stand in the early hours of August 3. The police arrested Vaishakh. He was produced before court and remanded in custody.