Steephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod
Kasargod, Apr 29: The Kumbla police have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder of a youth in Seethangoli. The arrested accused has been identified as Srinivas, a resident of Kotekar, Kumbla.
The victim, Safayat (30), a resident of Bapalipona and a driver for a poultry transport vehicle, was found dead in a pool of blood in a deserted area near Seethangoli town on Tuesday afternoon. Preliminary investigations suggest that old enmity was the motive behind the crime.
According to the police, Safayat and his friends had consumed alcohol together on April 27, which had led to a minor scuffle. On Tuesday afternoon, Safayat and Srinivas reportedly purchased alcohol from a beverages outlet in Seethangoli and headed to a secluded spot behind a nearby building to consume it.
As they were drinking, a heated argument broke out between the two. While two other companions who were present earlier had already left the spot, the confrontation between Safayat and Srinivas turned violent. Srinivas allegedly pushed Safayat to the ground and bludgeoned his head with a wooden plank found at the site.
Local residents, who rushed to the spot after hearing screams, found Safayat lying in a pool of blood. Srinivas had fled the scene by then. Although Safayat was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, he could not be saved.
The Kumbla police, who registered a case and launched a manhunt, successfully apprehended Srinivas within 24 hours. The police have also recovered the wooden plank used in the commission of the crime from the spot. Further investigation is underway.