The police have narrowed down their search to a group of trade union activists in the murder of Karali Anoop, a notorious goon who was bludgeoned to death near Eenchakkal here late on Sunday. According to V. Ashok Kumar, Sub Inspector, Vanchiyoor, Anoop’s death is suspected to be the fallout of a scuffle he had with a few trade union activists and labourers attached to the AITUC near a private hospital on the NH Bypass Road close to Eenchakkal early on Sunday.
AbscondingIdentifying the prime suspects as Vineeth alias Kochukuttan, the local area convener for the union, and Ambu, a member of the union, Mr. Ashok Kumar said the two, along with six others who were also suspected to be part of the attack, were absconding since the murder and that the police had got information that the group had a scuffle with Anoop on Sunday morning.
Anoop, after the scuffle, is believed to have gone to the workshop, near which his body was found later, and had been part of a booze session along with his friends there till the murder.
BludgeonedThe accused allegedly came to know of his whereabouts and reached the workshop around 8.30 p.m., where the argument took a violent turn and Anoop was bludgeoned to death with stones that were picked up from near the workshop, allegedly by Vineeth and Ambu.
A history sheeterAnoop had 19 cases, on various charges ranging from attempt to murder, extortion and dacoity, registered against him in various police stations in the city, but mostly in the Vanchiyoor police station since his main ‘area of operation’ was in and around Eenchakkal.
He was thrice detained under the Kerala Antisocial Activities Prevention Act, Mr. Ashok Kumar said, adding that the murder, however, was not believed to be one of vengeance in connection with his earlier offences.
The body was handed over to his relatives after an autopsy at the Government Medical College Hospital here on Monday.
