Death of Senior GST Officer and Family; Investigation Extends Beyond the State

Death of Senior Central GST Officer and Family; Investigation Expands Beyond the State
The investigation into the deaths of a senior Central GST officer and his family, who were found dead at the Central Excise Quarters in Kakkanad, has now extended beyond the state. The post-mortem of the bodies, currently kept at Kalamassery Medical College, will be conducted once the relatives arrive.

It is believed that the family was under severe mental distress due to a CBI case against Manish’s sister, Shalini Vijay, who is also a civil service officer. The CBI investigation was initiated over alleged irregularities in a 2006 rank list in which Shalini and others were involved. Shalini was summoned by the investigation team for questioning on the coming Saturday.

The investigation team is also looking into matters related to Manish’s service as a customs officer. The team handling Shalini’s case has sought details from the police. A note found near the bodies mentioned informing a sibling who is abroad. The police will record their detailed statement after they arrive.

The police have assured a thorough investigation into the deaths of Manish Vijay, Additional Commissioner of the Central GST Department, and his family. Although Manish had taken leave stating he was traveling to Jharkhand, the family remained at the Kakkanad quarters. It was during this period that Manish, Shalini, and their mother, Shakuntala Agarwal, were found dead at their residence.

Whether the mother’s death was due to natural causes or homicide will only be confirmed after the post-mortem. However, the initial assumption is that Manish and his sister died by suicide. The presence of burnt papers in the kitchen has added to the mystery surrounding the case.