Kochi: Young director Bellraj Kalarackal, popularly known as Chegu, has been found dead in a hotel room in Ernakulam. He directed Kapi Squad, which began streaming on JioHotstar on Friday.

Kapi Squad marked Bellraj’s first independent directorial venture. He had previously worked as an associate director on films such as Nizhal, Madhuram and Dakini. The news of his death comes shortly after the release of his debut series.

A native of Manimala in Kottayam district, Bellraj is the son of Kalarackal Suresh and Smitha. His body has been shifted to Sunrise Hospital.

Preliminary reports suggest that he may have died of a heart attack.

Bellraj got married to Athira last September.