Rape accused in Kerala ends life after his apology goes viral

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A former govt pleader, who quit the post following a rape allegation, died by suicide Sunday in Kollam, Kerala.

The suicide occurred soon after a video of him and his family members apologising to a woman in another sexual assault allegation was widely shared on social media.

The deceased was upset as he faced scathing criticism from people who watched the video, police said. He ended his life at a house hired by criminal lawyer BA Aloor.

A case was registered against the 55-year-old man for raping a woman at his flat in Kadavanthra and also at her house. The woman was a survivor in another rape case.

A few months ago, he obtained bail in the case. However, a new rape allegation surfaced against him. To settle the new case, Manu and his family apologised to the woman at her house. Someone recorded the apology and shared it online. The video went viral within minutes.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death.