Man dies by suicide after coop bank refuses to return deposit

Suicide note mentions that the bank secretary and two staffers manhandled and verbally abused Sabu and even threatened to lodge a complaint against him

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Idukki

A 56-year-old man has hanged himself in front of the CPM-controlled Service Cooperative Bank at Kattappana, allegedly after the bank refused to give his deposit back.

The incident has created a major political storm in the region with Congress and BJP demanding action against the bank.

Sabu, of Mulangasseriyil house, who ran a gift and fancy shop at Pallikkavala, was found hanging from the staircase handrail in front of the bank at Kattappana at 7.30 am on Friday.

A suicide note purportedly written by Sabu was recovered from the spot. It said he had deposited his lifetime savings in the bank. "To meet the treatment expenses of my wife, I approached the bank officials. However, bank secretary Reji, and staff Binoy and Sujamol refused to return the deposit. Besides, they manhandled me and used abusive language," the letter said.

Sabu concluded the note saying no one should have to face a similar situation with the bank.