KOTTAYAM: A BSP worker was beaten to death by his friends in Kottayam. The deceased has been identified as Thiruvanchoor native EL Shaiju. The police have taken two people into custody in connection with the incident. They are Polachira colony natives Lalu and Siby. According to police, the accused committed the crime under the influence of alcohol.

The incident took place in the 16th ward of Ayarkunnam panchayat. It was a woman named PP Shobhana who first saw the body near her house at around 6.30 am on Sunday. BSP posters were scattered on the dead body, which was wearing only underwear. Police have concluded that the incident happened on Saturday night while Shaiju was returning after pasting the posters of BSP. According to the police, Shaiju got involved in an altercation with the accused who were drinking in the backyard of a house. Following this, a fight broke out between them during which the accused hit Shaiju on the head with a helmet and stabbed him on the right rib and forehead with a sharp weapon similar to a stone. As Shaiju fell unconscious, the accused carried his body and left it near the house of Shobhana. Shaiju had injuries on the back of his head and various parts of his body.

The post-mortem report stated that the cause of death was a stab wound to the ribs. Shaiju, a labourer, lived with his mother Kutiyamma. His wife Shiny is working as a teacher in Bihar.