Thiruvananthapuram: A 48-year-old panchayat member was found dead on Tuesday in Aryanad, police said.

The deceased, identified as Sreeja S, a Congress worker and member of the Kottakkakam ward in Aryanad village panchayat, was found in a shed adjacent to her home in the morning.

Preliminary investigation suggests she consumed an acidic substance. Although she was rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared her brought dead.

“Prima facie, it is a case of suicide. Investigation is going on. As per her husband’s statement, she had some financial issues,” a police officer said.

Meanwhile, local Congress leaders alleged that a CPI(M) campaign targeting her over the financial matters had driven her to take the extreme step. They staged a protest in the panchayat following the incident.

 

PTI