VYPIN: Munambam police have arrested Pallipuram Thozhuthungal Saneesh (34), a fish loading and unloading worker at Munambam Harbor, in the murder case of Pallipuram Mavungal Sminu (40). Saneesh was a friend and neighbour of Sminu.

On Friday night, Saneesh had called Sminu, a car showroom manager, on the phone and asked him when he would be coming home. Saneesh had already reached the house and hid there before Sminu reached. When Sminu entered the porch, Saneesh slashed him with an axe he was holding and kicked him to the ground. After confirming Sminu's death, Saneesh stole his gold necklace, ring and mobile phone from his body. The axe used for the murder had been purchased from Amazon and kept at home. Saneesh has not been involved in any criminal cases before. The accused told the police that he decided to kill Sminu and steal the gold ornaments due to financial obligations. Munambam police conducted evidence collection with the accused. The stolen necklace, ring and phone were recovered. The investigation is being led by Munambam DySP Jayakrishnan. The accused was produced in court and remanded. Sminu's funeral was held at the Munambam Velankanni Church Cemetery.