TN: Missing CPI(M) leader found dead

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of senior CPI(M) leader and its central committee member W R Varadarajan was on Sunday resolved with the recovery of his body from a lake and police suspect he may have committed suicide.

The body of 64-year old Varadarajan, who left his home on February 11 leaving two unsigned letters, was identified by his wife Saraswathy at the Government Royapettah Hospital. The body was lying there for the last few days unclaimed.

Varadarajan, a qualified chartered accountant and a Brahmin had married Saraswathy, a Reserve Bank employee and a Dalit after the death of his first wife.

He had given up his job with the Reserve Bank of India to pursue Left politics. Varadharajan is said to have developed a relationship with a woman, when she approached him seeking some help following which his relationship with his wife had soured.

In the wake of his personal problems, Varadharajan, a national secretary of CITU and a Central Committee member of CPI-M, was divested of all party posts early this month for his conduct that was not in conformity with the Marxist principles.

Varadarajan was reportedly upset with his expulsion from the party's committee and other problems and left his home on February 11.