Kochi: Asha Benny (41), a resident of Pulikkathara near the South Kottuvally ration shop, died by suicide on Tuesday allegedly due to mental harassment from moneylenders. Among those named in the case is retired police officer Pradeep, who is also an accused in a bribery case. He had previously been implicated in the high-profile 2018 Varapuzha Sreejith custodial death case. It is alleged that Pradeep demanded ₹10,000 from Sreejith’s family to remove his name from the list of accused.

The Varapuzha Sreejith custodial death case

Sreejith, a native of Varapuzha, died while in police custody following the death of Vasudevan, a CPM supporter, in Devaswampadam. Police allegedly detained the wrong person and subjected Sreejith to brutal custodial torture.

A medical board concluded that Sreejith died due to severe abdominal injuries sustained after being taken into custody. Fellow detainees revealed that Sreejith and others were subjected to third-degree torture, including being individually targeted and beaten. Co-accused claimed Sreejith’s head was slammed against the cell bars.

The injuries reportedly caused a rupture in his small intestine. According to the medical board, such trauma would allow a person to function normally for no more than six hours. This is why Sreejith, complained of abdominal pain the day after his arrest. The board stated that timely medical intervention could have saved his life. These findings emerged in response to questions posed by the Special Investigation Team.

Bribery allegations

Pradeep, who served as a police driver, was arrested in June 2018 in connection with the Sreejith case. He allegedly accepted a bribe from Sreejith’s relatives, promising to remove his name from the list of accused in the Vasudevan house attack case.

Following the investigation, Pradeep was suspended from service and added to the list of accused. He reportedly received ₹10,000 in two instalments of ₹5,000 each. However, Sreejith died in custody before any action could be taken. The money was later returned to the family through their legal counsel.

Continued harassment and threats

Asha was found dead near Pallikkadav on the banks of the Kottuvally river around 3 pm on Tuesday. She had been missing since midday. A note recovered from her home named those she held responsible. A week ago, Asha had attempted suicide by slashing her wrist due to pressure from moneylenders.

The note named neighbour Pradeep and his wife Bindu. Asha had reportedly borrowed nearly ₹10 lakhs from them at high interest rates—₹10,000 per month for every ₹100,000 borrowed. She had taken further loans to pay the interest. Footage emerged showing moneylenders entering her home and issuing threats.

Asha’s husband Benny alleged that despite repaying both principal and interest, the harassment continued. Benny stated that Asha had attempted suicide on August 11, following which she was hospitalised for four days. The attempt was reportedly triggered by threats from the lenders. Following a complaint to the SP’s office, both parties were summoned and warned of legal action if they were to harass the family further.

Even the night before her death, Pradeep and Bindu allegedly visited the house and created a scene. Benny claimed they threatened the entire family, saying they would not allow even their son and daughter to live. The threats were reportedly recorded on a mobile phone.

(Attention: Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Those struggling with mental health issues should seek help from professionals. The 'Disha' helpline provides free counselling and support services. Dial toll-free helpline number: 1056 or 0471-2552056)