PALAKKAD: The remains of a human body were found in a search conducted based on the statement of a friend that a youth was murdered and buried at Chenakathur in Ottapalam. The dead has been identified as Ashiq (24) of Ottapalam. His friend Muhammad Firoz of East Ottapalam testified before the police.

Firoz revealed about the murder when questioned in a theft case. Ashiq is an accused in several cases. The murder was committed two months ago. The body was buried in a vacant plot at Azhikkalaparambu. The remains of the body were found from here.

It is heard that Ashiq and Firoz are accused in several cases and a dispute over sharing of money led to the murder. Police had reached Ottapalam with the accused for collecting evidence. Pattambi police reached the spot and in an examination found the remains. Forensic and fingerprint experts have also reached the spot.