Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Mourns Friend Who Collapsed and Died Minutes After Their Meeting
Kannur: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived at Kannur District Hospital to pay his last respects to his close friend, N.M. Ratheendran (80), of Keezhthalli, who collapsed and died the previous day. The Chief Minister was in Kannur yesterday to attend the book launch ceremony of senior CPM leader E.P. Jayarajan. Upon learning of the Chief Minister’s visit, Ratheendran had arrived at the Kannur Guest House to meet him. Ratheendran collapsed while returning home after his meeting with the Chief Minister and subsequently passed away while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The Chief Minister and Ratheendran had met around 11 AM yesterday. Following their meeting, the Chief Minister left to participate in E.P. Jayarajan’s book launch event. Shortly thereafter, Ratheendran also departed for his home. However, a short distance from the guest house, Ratheendran collapsed. He was immediately admitted to the military hospital for preliminary treatment and then transferred to the District Hospital.
Ratheendran passed away in the evening while receiving treatment at the District Hospital. Upon hearing the news of his friend’s demise during E.P. Jayarajan’s book launch event, the Chief Minister promptly went to the hospital to see his friend one last time. Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally also accompanied the Chief Minister.
Ratheendran had maintained a close relationship with Pinarayi Vijayan and his family since childhood. Whenever Pinarayi Vijayan visited Kannur, Ratheendran would always come to meet him and share their camaraderie. Ratheendran, a former employee of Chovva Cooperative Spinning Mill, had been leading a retired life. His funeral will be held today at 12 PM at Payyambalam. He is survived by his wife Sabitha, and children Shajeen Ratheendran and Shafna Joshith.