India, Feb. 21 -- A central excise department officer, his mother and sister were found dead at home in Kochi's Eachamukku area, Thrikkakara police said on Friday..

"A case of unnatural death has been filed but police suspect it to be death by suicide," a police officer said, adding that the additional commissioner (Central goods and services tax), who was in his 40s, was from Ranchi in Jharkhand.

Prima facie, the three could have died at least four days ago, the officer said.

"The officer (additional commissioner) was on leave for the last few days. His colleagues went searching for him at the quarters after he failed to report to duty after leave. They informed the police after getting a foul smell. Police found the officer and his s...