Jharkhand IRS officer, JPSC topper sister, mother found dead in Kochi

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Kochi, Feb 21: In a shocking incident, the decomposed bodies of a senior Customs officer from Jharkhand, his younger sister—a Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)-One topper—and their mother were discovered in their official quarters in Kochi. The deaths, initially suspected to be a suicide pact, have raised several unanswered questions.

Who Were the Deceased?

The victims have been identified as:

• Manish Vijay (42), Additional Commissioner, Central Tax, Excise, and Customs, Kochi
• Shalini Vijay (35), JPSC-1 topper and former Deputy Collector, Jharkhand
• Shakuntala Agarwal (80), their mother

According to media reports, their bodies were found inside house number 114 at the Central Excise Quarters in Eachamukku, Kakkanad. Manish and Shalini were found hanging, while their mother’s body was on the bed, covered with a sheet and strewn with flowers. A diary with Hindi entries was recovered from Manish’s room.

How Were the Bodies Discovered?

Manish had taken a week’s leave but failed to return to work. Concerned colleagues visited his quarters after repeated calls went unanswered. Upon detecting a foul smell, they alerted the police. Officers forced open the door and found the three bodies in an advanced state of decomposition.

Unanswered Questions and Police Investigation

Though the First Information Report (FIR) suggests personal setbacks as the reason for the suspected suicides, investigators are exploring multiple angles:

• Cause of the mother’s death: Did she die of natural causes, or was there foul play?
• Shalini’s sudden disappearance from her job: She had been on leave for two years and never returned. Reports indicate her JPSC appointment was controversial.
• Manish’s movements: Despite reports that he took leave for a Jharkhand-related issue, police state he never travelled there.

Authorities have also learned that Manish has another sister living abroad, with his diary instructing that she be informed of the deaths.

Neighbours & Family Background

According to media reports, neighbours described the family as reclusive, with minimal interaction with the outside world. Manish’s mother was occasionally seen sitting outside, but the house remained largely isolated.

Manish had been posted in Kochi for over a year and a half, and his mother and sister had moved in four months ago. Investigators are also trying to locate Shalini’s husband, believing he may provide critical information.

What’s Next?

The bodies have been sent to Kalamassery Medical College for autopsy, with police waiting for reports to determine the exact cause of death.

While authorities have ruled out financial distress, the mystery behind the deaths remains unsolved. Investigators continue to probe whether it was a planned suicide pact or something more sinister.