PILICODE (KASARGOD): The body of K C Surendran (65), who was shot dead by his neighbour at Pilicode in Kasargod, lay on the way side near Someswari temple for about 15 hours.

The reason was, forensic experts could reach the crime scene only the next day as the crime was committed on Sunday. The body had been covered with tarpaulin to protect it from rain and two policemen had been posted there as guards.

Forensic experts reached there Monday morning and started the examination. On Sunday evening 5, daily labourer Surendran died after he was shot by his neighbour Sanal Kumar (32). Two hours after the murder, the accused surrendered at Cheemeni police station.

On his way to the police station, he threw the gun he used for murder into Muzhakkom Nappachaal river, in order to destroy evidence .
The police have started the probe and collection of evidence.

Though it was reported yesterday that the quarrel between them started over burning of plastic, the underlying reason was a dispute over property, which has been going on for about a year.

Police said the accused Sanal had a criminal background. He used to go for unlawful wildlife hunting and consumed wild animal meat during boozing sessions after that. His gun also didn’t have licence.

Sanal had returned to his hometown from Gulf just last year and had been working as a taxi cab driver.