Kollam: Former Senior Government Pleader P G Manu was found dead at his rented residence in Kollam. He was found hanging, and preliminary reports suggest it was a case of suicide. 

The Supreme Court had recently granted bail in a case where he was accused of sexually assaulting a young woman who had approached him for legal assistance.

On Sunday morning, when junior lawyers attempted to reach him by phone, he did not answer the calls. So they visited the house and found him hanging. 

It is reported that Manu had been deeply distressed following the circulation of a video allegedly showing him and his family visiting the home of the complainant to seek forgiveness.

Police have arrived at the scene and initiated inquest proceedings.

(Disclaimer: Suicide is not a solution. Seek help from mental health professionals and try to overcome distress. If you have suicidal thoughts, please contact the 'DISHA' helpline at 1056 or 0471-2552056.)