The CPI(M) Kottayam district secretary A.V. Russel passed away on Friday (February 21, 2025) at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, where he was being treated for cancer. He was 63.

His mortal remains will be brought to the CPI(M) district committee office in Kottayam at 12 p.m. on Saturday (February 22) for the public and party workers to pay homage. Afterward, the body will be taken to the CPI(M) area committee office in Changanassery and from there to his home in Thengana. The funeral will be held at his residence at 12 p.m. on Sunday (February 23).

Mr. Russel’s political career began as DYFI block secretary and he later served as the DYFI State vice-president and central committee member. He held the position of CPI(M) Changanassery area secretary for 13 years and was a member of the party’s district committee for 27 years. Additionally, he served as CITU Kottayam district secretary. In 2006, he contested the Assembly election from the Changanassery constituency. Mr. Russel has been the CPI(M) Kottayam district secretary for the past six years. He was first elected to this position in 2022 and was re-elected for a second term at the district conference held in January of this year. Before that, he temporarily held the position when V.N. Vasavan was elected to the Assembly from the Ettumanur constituency in 2021.

He is survived by wife, Bindu, and daughter, Charulatha.