Kochi, Aug. 2 -- 97-year-old Malayalam writer, scholar and former MLA Prof MK Sanu passed away at Amrita hospital in Kochi at around 5:35 pm on Saturday.

He had been undergoing treatment in the hospital for the past week after sustaining injuries in a fall, as per the hospital's statement.

He was the recipient of Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, instituted by Kerala Sahitya Akademi, in 2013 and Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 2011.

Born on October 27, 1928, in Thumboli in Alappuzha District, he served as a school teacher for 4 years. Later, he became a professor in government colleges.

In 1958, he published his first book, 'Anchu Sastra Nayakanmar (Five Major Scientists)'. In 1960, he also published a book of criticism, Kaattum Velichavum. He ...