Jose Nelledam, member of Mullankolli panchayat, who died on Saturday, had, in a video statement reportedly made hours before his death, alleged that certain jealous people were craving for his blood.
“They portray me as a corrupt person who conspires against others. In my political career, I have only tried to help whoever came to me. I have never accepted any undue benefits. The defamation campaign has gone to such an extent that my children are being affected. This is not what I expected from a progressive society. I did not get the support I deserved from the party either,” Nelledam reportedly said in the video.
Nelledam was implicated in a case involving local Congress leader Kanattyumoola Thankachan, who was arrested on charge of stocking liquor and explosives in his house. Thankachan was remanded for 17 days and then released, following which he had alleged that several people, including Nelledam, had conspired against him. The police had questioned Nelledam in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph said that keeping Thankachan in remand for 17 days was a lapse on the part of the police. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the party would probe Nelledam’s death.
District Congress Committee president N.D. Appachan demanded the police to reveal the names in the note reportedly left by the deceased.
Published – September 14, 2025 02:08 am IST
