Kannur: A 44-year-old undertrial prisoner allegedly died by suicide by slitting his neck with a sharp object inside the Kannur Central Prison on Tuesday, authorities said. The deceased is Jilson, a native of Wayanad.

According to Jail Superintendent K Venu, Jilson was facing trial for the alleged murder of his wife. He had been transferred from the Mananthavady Sub Jail to the Kannur Central Prison seven months ago.

Venu said Jilson had attempted suicide multiple times before his transfer. After arriving at the central prison, he underwent counselling and assured officials that he would not attempt suicide again.

“He was a very talented painter, and we were planning to exhibit some of his artwork here soon. He was looking forward to it too. So, this is deeply shocking,” the superintendent said.

Jilson was lodged along with 20 other inmates in a block. Some of them reportedly saw him attempting suicide early in the morning and immediately alerted prison authorities.

“The incident occurred around 5.25 am. We rushed him to a nearby hospital, but his life could not be saved,” the official added.

Jilson, an employee of the Kerala Water Authority, had allegedly murdered his wife after locking his children inside a room on the eve of Vishu in 2024. He then reportedly attempted to end his own life.