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Summary:

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has suspended Jose Franklin, a DCC general secretary and municipal councillor in Neyyattinkara, following accusations of sexual harassment and abetment to suicide. The suspension comes after a woman, who allegedly wrote a suicide note detailing the harassment, took her own life. The note claims Franklin, also the health standing committee chairperson, sexually harassed her after she sought his help with a loan for her failing business. He allegedly demanded sexual favors, driving her to suicide. Franklin has reportedly gone into hiding.

News Article:

Kerala Congress Councillor Suspended Amidst Suicide Allegations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, October 19, 2025 – The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has suspended Jose Franklin, a prominent local leader, following serious allegations of sexual harassment that are believed to have led to the suicide of a 50-year-old woman. Franklin, who served as the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) general secretary and a councillor in the Neyyattinkara municipality, has also been the chairperson of the health standing committee.

KPCC President Sunny Joseph announced the suspension in a press release issued Sunday evening. The Neyyattinkara police have already registered a case against Franklin in connection with the woman’s death, which occurred on October 8th.

Initial reports suggested an accidental fire, but a suicide note allegedly penned by the victim revealed a harrowing account of sexual harassment. According to the note, the woman approached Franklin for assistance in securing a loan to alleviate debts incurred by her bakery business. He allegedly requested she bring her bills to his office promising help securing the loan. Instead, the note states that at the office, Franklin sexually harassed her.

In the note, addressed to her son, the woman claims that Franklin continued to harass her by demanding sexual favors. Unable to cope with the persistent pressure, she stated she saw no other option but to end her life.

“This is a deeply troubling situation,” said a local community leader. “The allegations are serious, and it’s imperative that a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted.”

Since the allegations surfaced, Jose Franklin has reportedly gone into hiding. The police are currently searching for him to assist in the investigation.

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