Overview
- The deceased was identified as Ambattu Elias, 62, from Idavaram in Cherupuzha, Kannur district.
- Police and relatives described liabilities of several lakhs of rupees as the likely trigger.
- Elias cultivated vegetables on leased hilly land in Kannur and Kasaragod for nearly four decades and earned state honors for his work.
- This season he planted about 2,500 banana saplings, with family saying sale proceeds failed to cover costs, worsening his finances.
- Relatives also alleged delays in sanctioned farm subsidies and said he had borrowed from banks and individuals, with no further official findings yet public.