Kasaragod: An 86-year-old retired school teacher died by suicide at his residence in Madangallu, Meenja, on Friday. The deceased is identified as Subbanna Bhat. Bhat, who lived with his wife, a retired health department official, had no children, and the couple were residing alone. His wife had recently been discharged from the hospital after treatment for an age-related ailment. “Relatives claim that Bhat was depressed as they had no one to take care of them,” a police officer said.

At around 2 pm, Bhat used an old pistol to take his life. His wife alerted relatives, who found him dead. Police said they could not locate the licence of the firearm. “The couple were financially well-off, and no other reason for the suicide has been found so far,” the officer added.

A case of unnatural death has been registered, and authorities will also probe the licence status of the weapon. The body was shifted to the hospital after an inquest and will be handed over to relatives following a post-mortem on Saturday, police said.