Murder of Shantha and hiding body in manhole: Rajesh caught from Kochi Marine Drive

KOTHAMANGALAM: Rajesh, a native of Adimaly, has been arrested in the case of murdering 61-year-old Shantha and hiding the body in a manhole. The accused, who had been absconding for about a week, was arrested from Ernakulam Marine Drive. The accused was caught by a squad appointed by the police's Special Investigation Team.

The accused was initially living in hiding in Adivasi Unnati near Mamalakandam. He was arrested while travelling to Bengaluru. The accused, who was brought to the Oonnukal station at night, is being questioned in detail. It is necessary to clarify whether anyone else was involved in the murder. He will be produced in court tomorrow.

Shantha went missing on the 18th. It is believed that she was murdered that day itself. The body was hidden in a manhole connected to the garbage tank of an uninhabited house in Oonnukal. The body was found in a decomposed state by the police on the 22nd. The police had intensified the search for Rajesh, who was absconding.

The case is being investigated by a special investigation team led by the Muvattupuzha DySP and Perumbavoor ASP. Rajesh killed Shantha for her jewellery. The jewellery worth around twelve sovereigns, was sold to a buyer of old jewellery in Adimali. Rajesh took Rs. 4 lakh in cash and bought another necklace worth three sovereigns. The gold was recovered by the investigation team. The car used by Rajesh to escape was found in Kothamangalam.

Relatives filed a complaint with the Kuruppampadi police on the 20th regarding Shantha's disappearance. Rajesh's role was clear in the subsequent investigation. The police confirmed that Rajesh was the accused after the body was found.