KOLLAM: Kerala High Court lawyer and former senior government pleader P G Manu was found dead at a residence in this southern district on Sunday morning, police said.
He was discovered hanging in a rented accommodation at Anandavaleeswaram, near Kollam, where he had been residing for professional commitments.
The preliminary investigation indicates a case of suicide, police said.
However, the precise cause of death remains undetermined, they added.
Manu, a native of Piravom in Ernakulam district, stands accused in a case involving the alleged rape of a woman who sought his legal counsel. Recently, the Supreme Court granted him bail in this matter.
On Sunday morning, junior advocates visited the premises to investigate after repeated telephonic attempts to reach the barrister proved unsuccessful. He was discovered hanging, according to police sources.
Reports suggest that footage had emerged showing Manu and his family members visiting another woman’s residence to tender an apology regarding an alleged harassment complaint. Subsequently, he was purportedly experiencing severe psychological distress.
Police confirmed that inquest proceedings have commenced and investigations are ongoing.
Previously, in a similar incident, he was apprehended for allegedly sexually assaulting his female client.
Following the filing of charges, he relinquished his position as senior government pleader on November 30 last year.
Manu had served as counsel for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Kerala.
