V P Kammath ends his fight, prematurely

KOCHI: V.P. Kammath, known for his protracted struggle against the misdeeds in the banking sector and the union leadership, suspected to have committed suicide on Wednesday night.  A former employee of the erstwhile Lord Krishna Bank (LKB), he was found dead in his house at Elamakkara in the morning. In a WhatsApp message titled ‘the last journey,’ he has mentioned the vindictiveness of the bank and the union leadership towards him.

A large number of people from various walks of life condoled the family of the 'uncompromising fighter against corruption and appropriation of public wealth by private individuals.'  K.K. Ashkar, a lawyer who had appeared for him in several cases, said the civil society and the trade unions could not escape blame for his death.  "He was an individual who lived his whole life for the common cause, ignoring his well being," he added.

His farewell message said he had utter contempt for trade unions which have nowadays reduced themselves to be instruments for the machinations of wily politicians.  He also names some of the leaders of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) for conniving with the vested interests leading to a crisis in the sector.  Kammath also sought the pardon of his wife, children, grandchildren, close friends and well-wishers for taking the extreme step.