T’puram: Police on Thursday arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with murder of history-sheeter Minnal Faizal, whose highly decomposed and partially charred body was found inside an isolated building near Muttappalam primary health centre in Chirayinkeezhu on July 1.The accused, Anseel of Navaikulam, has been remanded in judicial custody. Police said the murder took place on June 20 and that the body had been lying at the spot for around 10 days before it was discovered.According to police, a crucial breakthrough came from an autorickshaw driver who had delivered food to the area. Based on that lead, police examined CCTV footage from various locations and found visuals of the accused. Investigators later spotted Anseel and another youth entering a bar in Attingal. The youth, who was traced and questioned, told police that he knew the accused only through work related to a fishing boat.Police said Faizal and the accused were allegedly involved in a series of thefts in Chirayinkeezhu and Kallambalam areas. On June 20, the two allegedly had a heated argument while under the influence of alcohol over sharing stolen gold and other valuables. As the dispute escalated, Anseel allegedly attacked Faizal with a machete, killing him on the spot. Investigators said the accused later attempted to destroy evidence by setting the body on fire.Police said Anseel is also an accused in an attempt-to-murder case registered at Kallambalam police station, a theft case at Chirayinkeezhu police station and an NDPS case in Chennai. Further probe is under way.
