Expat Indians in Oman shocked, saddened over the death of artist from community

Muscat: Indian expatriates in Oman have expressed shock and sadness over the death of their countryman Unni Krishnan, who allegedly took his own life on Saturday.
Well-wishers from the Keralite community said he seemed to be in fine spirits just hours prior to his death. A skilled graphic designer and signboard artist, Unni was a well-known member of the Indian cultural community here in Oman.
“He was a skilled theatre designer, set designer, painter, he loved doing all of these things,” said PM Jabir, the Indian Social Clubs community welfare secretary and a close associate of Unni. “Just earlier yesterday, he was in high spirits and was speaking with his friends, so when we heard he had committed suicide, it came as a shock and surprise to all of us.”
“He never shied away from helping others,” he added. “Whenever the children of his friends used to ask him for help with their school design projects, he would willingly do so.
“He was a very humble and down-to-earth person, and on meeting him, it was difficult to forget his warmth and his personality. We don’t know what caused him to take his own life.”
Unni Krishnan, who was from a place near Guruvayur in Kerala, is survived by his wife and two daughters. Others took to social media to express their sadness at his death, with one saying, “I can’t believe Unni is no more,” as he put up a photo of the artist in simple tribute to him.
“Tearful salutations to my dear friend,” said another. “Heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace,” another expatriate added.
The cause of the death of Unni Krishnan – aged 50 – is now being looked into, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
Speaking to Times of Oman, an ROP official said: “Ruwi Police Station received a report at 4pm on Saturday about an Indian expat found hanging with a white rope tied around his neck at his residence on Honda Road in Ruwi.”
“The crime investigation team and the ROP went to the place of the incident and took the body to the police hospital,” he added. “The incident was reported by one of his friends, who became suspicious after he didn’t answer his repeated calls.”