Kasaragod, Kerala: Kumbla police on Monday arrested a lawyer, Anil Kumar, in connection with the death of DYFI leader and colleague Adv C Ranjitha Kumari, citing charges of abetment of suicide. Police indicated that the case may have involved an office romance, despite both individuals being married.
Anil Kumar, a native of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, worked as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) at an eye hospital and also assisted Adv Ranjitha in her legal practice in Kumbla, helping her draft legal documents and arguments.
Background of the incident
Adv Ranjitha Kumari, aged 30, was a promising CPM leader and served as president of DYFI’s Kumbla Area Committee. She practised at the Kasaragod Bar and was actively involved in counselling individuals, including suicide prevention efforts.
Ranjitha was found dead in her office chamber on September 30. Her family stated that she was active until 5 pm that day, leaving them shocked by her sudden death. CPM Kumbla Area Committee secretary C A Zubair said, “We never thought she would do this. She was always at the forefront, helping and counselling victims of suicide attempts. Recently, she had counselled a young woman who recovered and is now working at a cooperative hospital.”
Evidence against the accused
Police investigations revealed that Ranjitha’s suicide note mentioned Anil Kumar. Additionally, examination of her mobile phone showed that she had made a video call to him just before taking her life.
Her family had previously lodged a complaint seeking a thorough investigation into Anil Kumar’s role. Zubair added, “They suspected him because he neither came to see her body nor attended the cremation.”
Arrest and legal proceedings
Anil Kumar was taken into custody from his hometown and booked under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for abetment of suicide. Details of his alleged involvement have not been publicly disclosed by either the police or CPM authorities.
It is notable that courts have repeatedly ruled that married individuals cannot accuse their extramarital partners of deception on the grounds of marriage. Anil Kumar is married to a woman from Kasaragod, while Adv Ranjitha Kumari is survived by her husband, a fisherman, and their eight-year-old son.
Conclusion
The arrest of Anil Kumar in connection with Adv Ranjitha Kumari’s death highlights the ongoing investigation into a deeply tragic incident involving a young political leader. Authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding her death while ensuring legal accountability under the provisions of abetment of suicide. The community and party members remain deeply affected by the loss of a dedicated leader and counsellor in the Kasaragod district.