Mangaluru: The discovery of a decomposed body near Kotekar has raised suspicion of murder after injury marks were reportedly found on the abdomen and head. Police suspect that the deceased may have been stabbed and assaulted with a sharp weapon.

A case of suspicious death has been registered at the Ullal police station, and investigators are working to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

Body found behind Kotekar mosque

The decomposed body was found behind the Kotekar mosque on August 17. The discovery came days after a 32-year-old man from Kundapur was reported missing following an incident at sea.

The missing man, identified as Narayan (32), had reportedly fallen into the sea on August 9 after being caught in high waves while travelling on the Ocean Star fishing boat, belonging to a resident of Ullal.

Following the incident, Narayan’s relatives and the boat owner reportedly searched for him for a week. A missing person complaint was also registered at the Pandeshwar police station.

When the decomposed body was discovered near Kotekar, there was suspicion that it could be that of Narayan.

Brother identifies body during inquest

Narayan’s brothers subsequently reached the spot after receiving information about the body. However, due to the advanced stage of decomposition, it was not possible to establish the identity immediately.

The body was later taken to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for an inquest and further examination.

During the inquest, Narayan’s brother Krishnappa reportedly stated that the body was that of Narayan.

However, police have not yet received definitive scientific confirmation of the identity. DNA samples have been collected from Krishnappa, while a sample from the deceased’s body has also been preserved for comparison.

The identity is expected to be confirmed after the DNA report is received, reportedly within two days.

Injury marks raise questions

The discovery of injury marks on the abdomen and head has raised questions about how the person died.

According to the information available, the injuries indicate the possibility that the deceased may have been stabbed and struck with a sharp weapon.

The findings have prompted police to treat the death as suspicious rather than simply assuming that the body belonged to a person who had fallen into the sea.

A case of suspicious death has therefore been registered at the Ullal police station, and investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the death.

The precise cause of death and the nature of the injuries will be important factors in determining the next course of the investigation.

Fishing boat to be questioned

Meanwhile, the Ocean Star fishing boat has already ventured into the deep sea and is currently engaged in fishing operations near Ratnagiri.

Police have sent a message to the boat, and it is expected to return to Mangaluru in about two days.

Once the boat reaches Mangaluru, police are expected to question the people who were on board at the time Narayan reportedly went missing.

Investigators are likely to gather information about the circumstances in which Narayan allegedly fell into the sea, the people present on the boat and the events preceding and following his disappearance.

The statements of those on board could be significant in establishing whether Narayan actually fell into the sea as initially reported and whether there were any circumstances that could explain the injuries found on the body.

Investigation to establish sequence of events

The investigation is now focused on establishing the identity of the deceased, determining the cause of death and reconstructing the events leading to the discovery of the body.

The DNA examination is expected to provide scientific confirmation of whether the deceased is Narayan. The post-mortem findings and examination of the injuries will also be crucial in determining how he died.

Police are expected to consider both the original missing-person report and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body while conducting the investigation.

The timing and location of the discovery have added complexity to the case. Narayan was reportedly believed to have fallen into the sea on August 9, while the decomposed body was discovered near Kotekar on August 17.

Suspicious death case registered

The registration of a suspicious death case allows police to investigate the circumstances without prematurely concluding how the person died.

If the medical and forensic findings establish that the injuries were caused by an assault, the investigation could take a different direction. For now, police are awaiting the DNA report and other findings while preparing to question the fishing boat crew after the vessel returns.

The case has raised concern among Narayan’s relatives, who have been searching for him since he reportedly went missing at sea.

With the Ocean Star expected to reach Mangaluru within two days, statements from those who were aboard the vessel could provide important information to investigators.

Police are continuing their investigation, while the final identification and cause of death are awaited.