Manjeri, Kerala: A 35-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death using a grass-cutting machine at Charankavu near Manjeri on Sunday morning, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Praveen (35), son of Kunjilakshmi, a native of Chathangottupuram in Wandoor. According to police, Praveen was attacked by Moideenkutty, a resident of Charankavu, following a personal dispute between the two.
Attack near Charankavu bus stop
The incident occurred around 6.45 am, near the Charankavu bus stop, when Praveen arrived at the spot on his motorcycle. The First Information Report (FIR) stated that the accused approached Praveen while he was seated on the bike and attacked him with a grass-cutting machine, inflicting severe injuries to his face, neck, and head.
Bystanders rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way, police said.
Accused arrested after incident
Police arrested Moideenkutty shortly after the attack. A case of murder has been registered at the Manjeri Police Station, and an investigation is underway.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to killing Praveen over a personal dispute, officials said. However, investigators are conducting a detailed probe to confirm the exact motive behind the crime.
The body of the deceased will be handed over to his relatives after the postmortem examination, which will be conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital, Manjeri.
Probe and legal proceedings
Police officials confirmed that the accused will be produced before the court soon. The investigating team is collecting evidence from the crime scene, including the weapon used in the murder, and recording statements from eyewitnesses.
Authorities said further details would be revealed after the forensic report is submitted.