Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 25: After a sustained operation, the city’s CCB police have arrested Jose Kutty Papacchan (55), an accused who had been absconding for 30 years in a murder case.

The incident dates back to March 12, 1995, when security guards Suresh, Narayana, and Devanna were on duty at an industry in Bala village, under Suratkal police station limits. Around 10:30 pm, three strangers arrived, and upon being questioned by the guards, they attacked them. Security guard Narayana, severely injured in the assault, succumbed to his injuries.

During the altercation, accused Acchan Kunhi and Jose Kutty allegedly assaulted labourers sleeping near the site canteen. When a relative, Thomas, tried to intervene, they struck him with an iron rod, causing serious injuries. A case was subsequently registered against Acchan Kunhi and Jose Kutty for the murder of Narayana. Both suspects fled, moving between Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. An LPC warrant was issued, and Acchan Kunhi reportedly died eight years ago.

Following four months of investigation, Mangaluru CCB police apprehended Jose Kutty on October 23 in Tripunithura, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

ACP of CCB Manoj Kumar Naik, inspector Shyam Sundar H M, ASI Mohan K V, and other personnel participated in the operation. City police commissioner Anupam Agarwal commended the CCB team for their diligence in tracking down the accused.