Thiruvananthapuram: UDF leader Ramesh Chennithala resigned from the post of vice chairman of Loka Kerala Sabha, state government initiative, in protest of the “state government's lack of interest” in the investigation of an NRI entrepreneur's death.

Loka Kerala Sabha was formed by the state government to connect non-resident Keralites with the state, rehabilitate NRIs, and utilize their expertise for the development of Kerala.

Sources state that Sajan Parayil, an NRI entrepreneur who had invested in the construction of a convention centre, committed suicide as Anthoor municipality (CPI[M] ruled) in Kannur, Kerala refused to grant him a permit (license) to operate it. 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.