Erode MP A Ganeshamurthi dies allegedly by suicide over ticket denial

Chennai: Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the death of A Ganeshamurthi, a senior politician belonging to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), who died on Thursday after an alleged suicide attempt.

At the time of his death, the 77-year-old was receiving care at the Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore where he was taken after having given initial treatment at a private hospital, The Indian Express reported.

Ganeshamurthi, a three-time Lok Sabha MP, was found in an unconscious state at his residence in Periyar Nagar, Erode on March 24.

The report citing sources said that the Erode MP was frustrated over having denied candidature in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

However , MDMK sources reportedly claimed that the leader was promised a seat in the upcoming Assembly polls in 2016.

‘But the denial of a ticket this time had triggered a complex personal issue that put him in severe distress,’an MDMK leader was quoted as saying.

Leaders including MDMK general secretary Vaiko visited him at the hospital.

Ganeshamurthi’s body was taken for postmortem and will be placed for public homage in his hometown.