Unnatural death allegations: Family to protest with woman’s body outside bank in Kozhikode

According to family members, Kavitha’s body, following post-mortem procedures, would be taken to the Naduvannur branch of the accused bank on Monday before funeral rites are held. (Image used for representational purpose only)

Relatives and family members of a 42-year-old homemaker who was found dead at her house following bank attachment proceedings at Koothali near Perambra have announced their plans to stage a protest with her body in front of the bank branch on Monday (November 16, 2026), alleging that the officials’ refusal to grant a five-day grace period for loan repayment led to her death.

The deceased, identified as Kavitha Babu, was an employee at a paint shop in Kainatty, Vadakara. The couple has two daughters. According to family members, the body, which is currently kept at the mortuary of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital following post-mortem procedures, would be taken to the Naduvannur branch of the accused bank on Monday (November 16, 2026) before funeral rites are held.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on November 13 when a team comprising bank officials, an advocate commissioner, and police personnel arrived at Kavitha’s residence to execute Court-mandated attachment proceedings. The family had availed a housing loan from the Naduvannur branch in 2018 for construction purposes.

Following defaults in repayment, the outstanding dues, including accumulated interest, had reportedly mounted to nearly ₹50 lakh. Finding the newly constructed main residence locked upon arrival, the team initiated a search of the premises and discovered Kavitha hanging inside an old ancestral house located behind the property.

Though she was immediately shifted to the Perambra taluk hospital, doctors declared her dead. Kavitha’s husband and relatives alleged that the family had earnestly requested a five-day extension to remit a stipulated portion of the dues and avoid immediate attachment, but bank authorities refused to relent. Holding the bank’s unyielding stance directly responsible for the tragedy, relatives and local residents said they would intensify their agitation outside the branch on Monday (November 16, 2026).

Meanwhile, local police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials associated with the bank said they initiated only the legal proceedings and the allegations against them were baseless.

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies may contact Thanal, a centre for befriending persons instituted by the Indian Medical Association in Kozhikode. Phone: 04952-760000)