Udupi: Senior Congress leader Krishnaraj Saralaya (87) drowned in a well near his house in Paniyadi on Saturday.

Saralaya was known as a trader of crackers in Udupi. He had also gained the reputation of being a leader in the cooperative sector.

He was suffering from depression for the past few days. Police suspect that Saralaya might have committed suicide by jumping into the well.

He was known for his social activities and his suggestions were sought during Udupi Paryaya by the Paryaya committee. He had a firecracker shop at Car Street near Sri Krishna Mutt. 

A case was registered in Udupi town police station.