Mangaluru: Panambur police have solved the murder case of an unidentified man whose body was discovered in a drain within the MSEZ premises at Jokatte on June 10, arresting two persons within 72 hours of launching the investigation. Police said personal enmity and alleged defamation were the primary motives behind the crime.
The arrested accused have been identified as Prashant Kumar (36), a native of Darbhanga district in Bihar who was residing near Vijaya Vittala Bhajana Mandir in Jokatte, and Pinku Mahto (33), a native of Vaishali district in Bihar. During the course of the investigation, police identified the deceased as Chandan Chauhan (39), a resident of Purnia district in Bihar.
The body was found on the morning of June 10 in a drain inside the MSEZ premises, prompting police to register a case and launch an intensive investigation to establish the victim’s identity and trace those responsible for the crime.
Investigation reveals alleged motive
According to police, the prime accused, Prashant Kumar, had been working as a welder at MRPL. However, he had reportedly been confined to his residence after sustaining injuries in an accident.
Investigators revealed that Prashant’s wife allegedly left home with another man in April this year. Police said Prashant suspected that Chandan Chauhan had played a role in helping his wife leave.
Further inquiries allegedly revealed that Chandan had been spreading rumours claiming that Prashant’s wife had eloped with a younger man because Prashant had become bedridden following the accident. Police believe these allegations led to growing resentment and eventually motivated the accused to plan the murder.
Victim allegedly assaulted and killed
According to the investigation, the incident occurred on the evening of June 9 at around 6 pm. Police said Prashant Kumar, along with his associate Pinku Mahto, allegedly intercepted Chandan Chauhan and assaulted him with a wooden stick.
The victim reportedly sustained severe injuries to his head and face during the attack. Investigators further alleged that the accused later slit his throat with a knife, resulting in his death on the spot.
After the murder, the accused allegedly transported the body and disposed of it in a drain within the MSEZ premises near a rented house in Jokatte before fleeing from the area.
Police said the body remained undiscovered until the following morning when a local resident identified as Kishore noticed it and immediately alerted authorities.
Accused tracked and arrested
Following the registration of the case, Panambur police launched a detailed investigation involving the collection of evidence, witness statements and the examination of the victim’s background.
The investigation led officers to identify the accused and trace their movements after the crime. The prime accused, Prashant Kumar, was arrested late on June 13 from Madgaon Railway Station in Goa, where he had allegedly gone into hiding after the murder.
The second accused, Pinku Mahto, was subsequently arrested in Jokatte. Both accused are now in police custody, and further investigation is underway.
Police are also examining additional evidence related to the case and verifying the sequence of events leading up to the murder.
Swift action earns public appreciation
The successful resolution of the case within a short period has been widely appreciated by residents and members of the public. Police officials said the timely identification of the victim and swift tracking of the accused played a crucial role in solving the case.
The investigation highlights the importance of coordinated police work in handling serious crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. Authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined as the investigation progresses.
With both accused now arrested, police are expected to file further reports based on the evidence collected during the course of the inquiry.