Sulthan Bathery: Manichirakkal NM Vijayan (74), treasurer of the Wayanad District Congress Committee, and his son Jijesh (28) passed away at a hospital here on Friday. The duo had been undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Kozhikode after reportedly ingesting poison.

Neighbours found them in a critical condition at their home in Manichira after they had consumed poison. Initially admitted to a private hospital, both were transferred to GMCH, Kozhikode, for intensive treatment due to their serious condition.

Jijesh died by Friday evening, and Vijayan succumbed to his condition around 9 pm. Jijesh, who was mentally challenged, had been bedridden for several years. Following the death of his wife, Suma, Vijayan had been caring for his son. He is survived by his elder son, Vijesh.

A well-known Congress leader in the district, NM Vijayan had previously served as the president of Sulthan Bathery village panchayat for many years before it became a municipality. He also held the position of state general secretary of Congress. The last rites will be held at Manichira on Saturday.