Kochi | Senior journalist Jijo John Puthezhath, known for his investigative journalism, died at a hospital here on Wednesday following a brief illness, sources said. He was 54.

Puthezhath was serving as Special Correspondent with the Kochi unit of Malayala Manorama daily.

He had published several investigative reports during his career and was the recipient of the 2015 Ramnath Goenka Award and the 2020 Chief Editor's Gold Medal for journalistic excellence at Malayala Manorama.

A journalism graduate of the Kerala Press Academy, Puthezhath joined Malayala Manorama soon after completing his studies.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

In a condolence message, Satheesan said he had read Puthezhath's byline while leaving for office on Wednesday morning and learnt of his death after returning to office following the press conference held after the Cabinet meeting.

"It took me some time to come to terms with the reality that Jijo is no more," Satheesan said.

He said Puthezhath's journalistic excellence and standards had received national recognition and that several of his investigative reports had attracted attention across the country.

"It is painful to realise that his byline will no longer appear. But that name will remain in my mind forever," the CM added.