Poonjar (Kottayam): A farmer was found dead with a gunshot wound. T K Josy (52) of Peringulam Thadavanal was found dead in a plot near his house. A country-made gun was also recovered nearby.

Police said they suspect he died by a self-inflicted gunshot. According to the police, relatives stated in their testimony that Josy had been distressed because part of his own land had been lost to the reservoir. However, no official confirmation regarding this has been received.

Josy had been missing since early Monday morning, and the body was discovered around 11 am during a search conducted by the family and local residents. Irattupetta SHO K J Thomas and his team conducted further procedures.

He is survived by wife Jolly and children Albin Josy and Dayona Josy.

The body was found lying on the ground. The gunshot injury was to the face, which had been disfigured. The body has been kept at the Pala General Hospital mortuary. The gun has been taken into police custody. Officials from the Arms Section of the Kottayam AR Camp inspected the site.

(Suicide is never a solution. Seek help from mental health professionals. Call 1056 or 0471 2552056.)