A 52-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Alappuzha Narcotics Cell, Shanthakumar of Mararikulam, was found hanging in a private lodge at Kizhakkenada, Guruvayur, on Friday.

He had been missing since Thursday evening, prompting the Alappuzha South Police to register a missing person case. His body was later found in a lodge. Preliminary reports suggest Shanthakumar had been facing financial difficulties related to house construction. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death.

This is the third reported death by suicide among police officers in Kerala within a week. On Thursday, R Rajesh (45), Station House Officer (SHO) of Mala Police Station, was found hanging in his official quarters. Officials said Rajesh, a native of Kollam, had been on leave for the past two days and arrived at the quarters on Wednesday afternoon. When the quarters remained locked the next morning, colleagues checked the room and found him hanging from a ceiling fan.

On Tuesday, Binu Varghese, a Senior Civil Police Officer from Munambam Police Station, was found hanging at his residence. His wife, Sini, a nurse, attempted to revive him before he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Binu’s family has alleged that he was subjected to cyberbullying in connection with a case he was handling and has demanded a detailed investigation. Police, however, have cited personal issues, including financial distress, based on a suicide note reportedly recovered from the scene.