Four held for murder of gangster Aluva Athul in Karunagappally

KOLLAM: Police have moved quickly, taking four people into custody in the murder of notorious gangster Aluva Athul in Karunagappally on Saturday. Investigators have identified key suspects, including Black Vishnu, Mannenna Noufal, and Hussain. The search is now underway for at least two additional members of the "Kadathur gang" believed to be involved in the killing.

The attack took place shortly after Athul left the Karunagappally police station, where he had been fulfilling mandatory bail conditions for the Gym Santosh murder case. A car with Haryana registration plates followed him. Near Puthiyakavu on National Highway 66, the assailants rammed his vehicle.
The collision forced Athul’s car into a deep ditch under construction. CCTV footage shows four to five men jumping out, armed with swords and machetes. They smashed the windows, dragged Athul from the car, and inflicted fatal wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, but he could not be saved.

Police believe this murder is a direct retaliation for the death of Gym Santosh on March 27, 2025. In that incident, a gang led by Athul stormed Santosh’s home using explosives before hacking him to death in front of his family. Athul had been the prime accused in that case and was recently released on bail.

The attack has drawn significant scrutiny regarding security, as authorities knew Athul faced a high risk of retaliation. Police are now analysing CCTV footage and questioning associates of the Kadathur gang to uncover the full plot. Officials are working to prevent further violence between the rival Karunagappally and Oachira factions.