Kochi, Oct 24 – A former local committee secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), identified as Pankajakshan, aged 65, was discovered dead at the party office in Ernakulam district on Friday.

Authorities reported that Pankajakshan, a resident of Manakkunnam, Udayamperoor, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in the reading room of the CPI(M) office around 8 am. The Udayamperoor police have registered a case and are treating it as a suspected suicide by hanging.

Family members informed the police that Pankajakshan had been experiencing depression due to financial difficulties in recent times. The initial discovery of the body was made by a newspaper delivery boy, who promptly alerted local party leaders.

Police officials stated that they will conduct detailed interviews with Pankajakshan’s relatives to determine the precise circumstances surrounding his death. CPI(M) district leaders confirmed that he had been struggling with financial issues and are currently in contact with his family and friends to gather additional information.

In response to a complaint filed by Pankajakshan’s son, the police have opened a case of unnatural death and are actively pursuing further investigations. Following the post-mortem examination, the body will be returned to his relatives, as confirmed by police sources.