The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of orchestrating a "political witch-hunt" that led to the alleged suicide of K. Anil Kumar, a BJP councillor from Thirumala ward. The accusation has intensified a political controversy in Kerala, with the BJP demanding an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death.

Senior BJP leader V. Muraleedharan rejected claims that financial stress or a suicide note implicating BJP leaders prompted the councillor’s actions, instead pointing to alleged pressure from the CPI(M) and local police.

Muraleedharan alleged that complaints from investors in a cooperative society headed by Kumar were exploited by the CPI(M) and police to create a hostile environment, pushing Kumar to take his life. He dismissed reports of a suicide note targeting BJP leaders, clarifying that the note referenced "our people", which he argued did not necessarily mean party members.

The BJP leader also accused the CPI(M) of using the incident to deflect attention from corruption allegations against the CPI(M)-led city corporation and state government.

In response, CPI(M) senior leader and General Education Minister V. Sivankutty challenged the BJP’s narrative, asserting that the cooperative society was controlled by a BJP-led panel, raising questions about the party’s accountability. Sivankutty accused the BJP of exploiting the tragedy for political gain and called for a probe into the financial irregularities linked to the society. The CPI(M) has maintained that any investigation should examine the BJP’s role in the cooperative’s troubles.

Also Read: Mumbai to Launch Pod Taxi Services for Efficient Last-Mile Travel

The controversy sparked protests, with BJP workers marching to Thampanoor police station, alleging that officers had threatened Kumar over the cooperative’s financial issues. Both parties continue to trade accusations, with the BJP demanding an end to what it calls politically motivated actions by the police and CPI(M). Authorities have yet to release official details about the ongoing investigation into Kumar’s death.

Also Read: Vinod Kapri’s ‘Pyre’ Wins Best Film at Chicago South Asian Fest