Probe into actor Mani's death progressing well: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: The police investigation into the death of actor Kalabhavan Mani was progressing well, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Monday.

"So far, even Mani's family has appreciated the way the police probe is going on and we are told that it's progressing well," said Chandy, responding to questions after a cabinet meeting in the state capital.

Mani, 45, who acted in 200 films in Malayalam and other languages, was admitted to a hospital in Kochi on March 4. Said to be suffering from a liver ailment, he died two days later.

On March 18, forensic experts said an insecticide (Chlorpyrifos) was found in the actor's body. This had led to speculation that he may not have died a natural death.

Police have completed several rounds of inspection at his 30-acre farmhouse near Chalakkudy and collected some evidence, including a few bottles -- one of which is suspected to be containing the insecticide. The items have been sent for forensic examination.

On Sunday, the probe was divided among six different teams -- each entrusted with a specific task. One team on Monday searched the lake that flows beside Mani's farmhouse.

Superintendent of Police P.N. Unniraja and a few other officers joined the probe team on Sunday.