Erode MP A Ganeshamurthi dies from cardiac arrest after alleged suicide attempt

Avinashi Ganeshamurthi, a Member of Parliament from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, died of a cardiac arrest in a private hospital in Coimbatore on Thursday (Mar 28).

The 76-year-old sitting Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu's Erode was reportedly admitted to the medical facility on March 24 after allegedly attempting suicide.

Who was A Ganeshamurthi?

Avinashi Ganeshamurthi, or A Ganeshamurthi, was an Indian politician from the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) party.

He was a sitting MP in Lok Sabha, the Indian lower house of parliament, and represented the constituency of Erode.

Alleged suicide attempt

Ganeshamurthi, as per media reports, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday (Mar 24) after consuming poisonous tablets.

He was rushed to an Erode hospital after he developed uneasiness.

Following a preliminary checkup, he was admitted to the ICU and put on a ventilator.

He was later shifted to Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore, where he eventually died on Thursday.

As per an Indian Express newspaper report citing an unnamed MDMK leader, Ganeshamurthi was denied a ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

This "triggered a complex personal issue that put him in severe distress," and led to the suicide attempt.

Initially, the Erode Town police had registered a case of attempted suicide against the politician, which will now be updated to a case of death by suicide.

Hospital staff has reportedly handed over the MP's body to police for suicide investigation. A post-mortem will be done at the Institute of Road Transport (IRT) Medical College Hospital. Following that, his mortal remains would be taken to Kumaravalasu village for burial.

Talking to the press, MDMK party founder Vaiko said, "He was happy with the seat (party ticket) issue. He met me twice. We never expected him to make such a decision. He was in a good mood. I cannot believe that he took such a step and passed away. We pay our deep homage."

(With inputs from agencies)