Biju's murder in Kozhikode: 22-year-old relative taken into custody

KOZHIKODE: A 22-year-old has been taken into police custody in connection with the incident in which a youth was found murdered in a house in Kozhikode city. The deceased is Biju, a native of Puthiya Kovilakam in Palayam. According to sources, the suspect in custody is Biju's relative and a native of Kulangara Peedika in Mankavu, Kozhikode.

According to the police, the suspect had previously been admitted to a hospital for mental health treatment. It was Biju and his relatives who allegedly took him to the hospital against his will. Investigators believe the murder was an act of revenge over that incident.

Police said injuries on the suspect's hands and CCTV footage have become key pieces of evidence in the investigation. The suspect had taken Biju's mobile phone, scooter key and room key. He also attended Biju's funeral when the body was brought to the family's ancestral home in Palayam on Sunday. Those present noticed injuries on his hands and other parts of his body.

Meanwhile, police have not accepted the family's allegation that a drug gang was behind Biju's murder. According to the family, drug users and dealers frequently gathered in a vacant plot and an under-construction building near Biju's house. They claimed Biju had repeatedly raised complaints against them and had shared information about the gang with police as part of the 'Operation Toofan' anti-drug campaign. The family believes this led to the murder.

Police said the postmortem revealed that deep injuries to the back of the head and neck caused Biju's death. His body had 45 injuries, including 18 stab wounds on the front and back of the neck. Investigators suspect the murder was carried out using a sharp weapon, possibly a kitchen knife.