PUNALUR: The police have arrested two culprits and their friends for beating up Rajesh (32), the witness in the murder case of Kottayam native Kevin.

Shanu (23) and Manu (27) who are out of prison on a bail along with Tholicode native Robin and Piravanthur native Shahjahan were arrested by the police.

Rajesh, the 32nd witness in the case, had a court hearing yesterday. He was beaten up on Sunday by 9 am at Punalur Market Junction. The culprits asked him to change his statement. They were irked by Rajesh’s refusal. Friends of the culprits have been remanded by the court.

Rajesh appeared at the court and gave witness account yesterday. The court was informed about the assault on Rajesh and the bail of the two culprits was annulled by the court and they were remanded.

The case is regarding the death of Kevin Joseph on May 26, 2018, where he was drowned by the culprits. This was an incident of honor killing after Kevin married Ninu Chacko, daughter of Ottakkal native Chacko.