Kottayam: A 23-year-old man was stabbed to death in the Manikunnu area of Kottayam in the early hours of Sunday following an alleged drug-related financial dispute. The victim, Adarsh, hailed from Thottakkad in Puthuppally.
Police have detained former Kottayam Municipality Congress councillor V.K. Anilkumar and his son Abhijith in connection with the incident. According to officers, the attack took place around 4 a.m. outside Anilkumar’s residence after a quarrel between Adarsh and Abhijith reportedly linked to the supply of MDMA, a synthetic narcotic.
Investigators said Abhijith had allegedly sourced the drug from Adarsh and even pledged a vehicle as part of the transaction, but later refused to pay the agreed sum. Late at night, Adarsh, accompanied by friends, went to Anilkumar’s house to demand payment, leading to a heated confrontation.
The argument is said to have escalated rapidly into violence, during which Abhijith allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Adarsh multiple times. The seriously injured youth was taken to Kottayam Medical College Hospital in an unconscious state but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.
Police said Anilkumar and his son attempted to escape after the stabbing but were soon tracked down and arrested by Kottayam West Police. CCTV footage capturing their hurried departure from the scene is understood to have helped investigators identify and locate them.
Officers added that Abhijith already faces several cases related to narcotics, while Adarsh also had previous charges for drug possession. The investigation has now widened to examine the suspected MDMA supply network and the financial dealings between the two men.
Adarsh’s body has been kept at Kottayam Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police are conducting detailed questioning of both accused and assessing the involvement of the father and son in the killing, with the possibility of adding further sections, including those under the NDPS Act, as the probe progresses.
(Inputs from IANS)