Key Takeaways:

• Peralassery panchayat member Suresh Babu, a UDF representative from Bavode East ward, has died at 55.
• He won his seat by a narrow margin of 13 votes in a CPI(M)-dominated panchayat.
• Babu had been on dialysis for a kidney ailment and was rushed to a private hospital before his death.
• Funeral will be held at Payyambalam on Wednesday at 11:00 am.

Peralassery panchayat member Suresh Babu dies aged 55

Peralassery, Kannur — Suresh Babu Thandaarath, a member of Peralassery Gram Panchayat who represented the Bavode East ward, has died at the age of 55. A UDF member in a panchayat where the CPI(M) holds majority, Babu had won his seat by a slender margin of 13 votes.

Babu had been receiving regular dialysis for a kidney-related condition. On Tuesday morning he felt unwell before he was due to go for dialysis and was taken to a private hospital in the 5.30 am hour, but medical staff were unable to save him.

Peralassery panchayat member background and public service

Babu served previously as a member of Peralassery Panchayat during the 2015–20 term. He regained the seat representing Bavode East ward at a later election, securing victory by a narrow margin of 13 votes in an area widely regarded as a CPI(M) stronghold. His success was noted locally as an upset that reflected close contests at the grass roots of Kerala politics.

Health, circumstances of death and community reaction

Sources said Babu had been undergoing dialysis for some time due to chronic kidney illness. Early on Tuesday he experienced severe weakness and was taken to a nearby private hospital. Despite medical intervention, he was declared dead on arrival. The community response was immediate, with neighbours and local residents gathering to pay respects at his home.

Local leaders from both the ruling and opposition groups in the panchayat conveyed condolences. Peralassery remains a CPI(M)-majority body, and Babu’s presence had provided a point of representation for the UDF in the Bavode East ward.

Personal details and funeral arrangements

Babu was unmarried and is survived by his parents, Kunjikannan and Leela, and a sister, Priya. He is the son of the late Kunjikannan and Leela, who are named in local tributes. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 am at Payyambalam.

Neighbours and members of the local community are expected to attend. Further arrangements are being handled by the family and local panchayat officials.

This death highlights the challenges faced by public servants who balance community responsibilities while managing chronic health conditions. Babu’s narrow electoral victory and prior service to the panchayat mark him as a familiar figure in Peralassery’s civic life.

For immediate local updates and details on the funeral, residents are advised to contact Peralassery panchayat office or local community leaders.