Body of missing Thodupuzha native found in manhole; horrific murder shocks natives

IDUKKI: The body of Biju Joseph, the Chungam native who went missing almost three days back, was found in a manhole in a godown in Kalayanthani on Saturday noon. Police and fire force are trying to break the manhole to take the body out.

Biju's business partner and members of the quotation team were taken into custody in the incident. Those taken into custody had earlier confessed to killing Biju and burying his body in the godown. The body was found in a manhole leading to a garbage disposal pit where food waste was dumped. Garbage was found dumped on top of the body.

Biju's relatives had filed a complaint after he went missing on Thursday. He went out of his house to have tea but was never to be seen again. Police believe it was the dubious financial dealings Biju had with his partner that led to the murder.

Further evidence related to Biju Joseph's murder was obtained from a KAAPA accused, part of the quotation team. Signs of a ruckus were found near the premises of Biju’s house while neighbours too confirmed hearing sounds of a commotion. During the police investigation, Biju's clothes and shoes were found in the area. The police tried to contact Biju's old business partner, a native of Kalayanthani, but his phone was switched off. Following an investigation, the police took three people, including the partner, into custody.