Kannur: The CPM ruled Anthoor municipality in Kannur, Kerala refused to grant a permit (license) to run a convention centre. Dejected over this, Sajan Parayil, an NRI entrepreneur who had invested in the construction, committed suicide.  Parayil had invested Rs 15 crore.

Sajan worked in Nigeria for 15 years before he quit his job and returned to India. Three years ago, he started the construction of Partha convention centre in Kannur, Kerala.

His family told media that right from the beginning of construction, there were many hurdles. His family members also said that the municipality had, once, asked Sajan to destroy the building. Later Sajan moved the district town planning officer, who granted permission to resume construction work.

After the completion of construction, the convention centre didn't get its building number from the municipality. Sajan's wife Beena told media that even though Sajan worked for the CPM, no one from the party helped him. She added that her husband had given a complaint to minister for industries EP Jayarajan regarding the issue to no avail.

Sajan’s relatives alleged that the corporation chairperson PK Syamala, wife of CPM central committee member MV Govindan, did not provide sanctions to the convention centre due to personal vengeance and also issued a notice to demolish the structure.

Regarding this matter, the opposition, Congress issued a notice for adjournment motion in the Assembly, stating that the suicided was caused die to the denial of license for the convention centre.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that strict action would be taken against those who are responsible for the death of Sajan and promised that the state government wouldn't protect anyone involved.