MANNARKAD: The police has said that the incident where a Adivasi youth from Anamuli was found dead in the forest was a murder. The deceased has been identified as Balan (37), son of Kakki of Urulankunnu Adivasi colony inThenkara Anamuli bridge. The incident took place on Friday night following a dispute over alcohol. Mannarkkad police arrested 40-year-old Chandran alias Bhasi, Balan's friend, from Kaithachira Kombankundu Adivasi colony.

According to the police

On Thursday, Bhasi and Balan went to the forest to buy alcohol. The two got into an argument while intoxicated on Friday night. Meanwhile, Bhasi stabbed Balan with the sword in his hand. The boy died on the spot after sustaining a deep wound to the back of the neck. Then he went to Bhasi Colony. Balan was found dead by locals on Saturday evening. Police then registered a case and launched an investigation. The information about the murder came out when Bhasi was arrested and questioned on suspicion.

The accused was arrested by a police team led by Mannarkkad DySP VA Krishnadas. The court remanded the accused. Balan's body was handed over to relatives after postmortem at Palakkad District Hospital.