Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Feb 27: An elderly man was found murdered next to his under-construction house at Kalaibail, Pitrody here on Saturday February 27.

The deceased has been identified as Laxman Maindan (68).

It is learnt that Laxman was in the process of constructing a house at Pitrody. He was staying alone in one of the two rooms located adjacent to the under-construction house.

Laxman is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. Among the children, all except a son are married. At the time of the incident, his wife was staying with her daughter.

The neighbours saw him alive in his room till 10 pm on Friday February 26. On Saturday morning, a worker from a nearby ice plant came to water the walls of the under-construction house. He noticed that Laxman's Honda Activa was missing. On opening the door of Laxman's room, he found him lying in a pool of blood on the floor next to his bed. He then informed Laxman's son who in turn called the police.

It is learnt that a gold chain that Laxman was wearing has gone missing. Blood stains were found on a table fan in the room, and prima facie, it is suspected that he might have been hit on head and neck with it.

Police expressed suspicions that Laxman might have been killed by someone known to him.

Laxman owned four boats which are being operated by others.

The canine squad that was pressed into action traced the scent till the nearby ice plant. The police are currently questioning the workers at the plant.

SP Annamalai, probationary SP Suman, Kaup circle inspector Jagadish Reddy and other police personnel arrived at the spot.

The body has been sent for post-mortem.

Kaup police have registered a case and investigations are on.