College of Forestry dean found dead near railway tracks

Thiruvananthapuram: The dean of the College of Forestry, Thrissur, under the Kerala Agricultural University, E V Anoop, 56, died allegedly by suicide by jumping before a train near Moonam Manackal temple on Saturday night.He was seen in the locality by an autorickshaw driver and two people living there on Saturday late night. As he looked very upset, one of them even enquired about his presence there, but he moved away without answering. Police believe the death occurred between 11pm on Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday. The body was first spotted by locals, and he was identified during an investigation conducted by police.The son of the deceased, Arjun A, 25, told TOI that work pressure at the office might be the reason for his death. "Some months ago, he sent a letter to the vice-chancellor requesting to remove him from the post as he was unable to bear the work pressure. But it was uncared for," said Arjun.Police are also looking at all aspects in the probe as a case was registered under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for unnatural death.Anoop took charge as the dean in 2021 and conducted research on forest product and utilization, wood anatomy, timber identification, wood quality evaluation, dendrochronology, etc. He had contributed greatly to the research in the coconut wood industry.He was a native of Bakery Junction and was the son of writer E Vasu. He leaves behind wife Renuka, son Arjun, and daughter Anjana.