Murder suspected as traces of Methanol found in Mani’s blood

The Chalakkudi police in Trissur district has questioned five persons, including cinema artists and friends of Kalabhavan Mani, who were said to be present at Mani’s outhouse at Chalakkudi. The outhouse was located a kilometre away from Mani’s residence. However, police said the mystery continues as to how methanol had entered his blood stream. 

Mani was also suffering from liver ailments and had stopped consuming liquor, police said. According to police, the doctors are awaiting the toxicology report to take a final call on the case. They have sent viscera and blood samples to the forensic lab in Kakkanad, Kochi. 

Neighbours claimed that Mani complained about physical discomfort and had consulted a local doctor. He was also put on IV fluids. But his condition deteriorated and was rushed to the Amurtha hospital in Eranakulam on Saturday.  The actor passed away at a hospital in Kochi on Sunday. The policed registered a case under Section 174 of CrPC.