Kollam: Five months after a body was found with its hands and legs chained in a rubber plantation at Mukkadavu in Punalur, police have identified the deceased as Anikuttan (46), alias Pappar, of Charummoodu, Alappuzha. Earlier investigators had pinned him as the likely suspect in this murder case. However, forensic and DNA reports later confirmed that the suspected killer and the victim were the same person.With the identity established, police have intensified the probe to determine who murdered Anikuttan and the motive behind the crime.The body was discovered on Sept 23 in a rubber plantation at Mukkadav Aalukeramala along Punalur–Muvattupuzha highway. The victim’s hands and legs were tied with chains.Autopsy revealed that cause of death was a deep stab wound on right side of the chest. Police said the body was more than a week old when it was found. A knife, scissors and a bag were recovered from the spot. Investigators also found that the assailants had attempted to destroy evidence by burning the victim’s face after the murder.During the early stages of the investigation, police suspected Anikuttan’s involvement in the crime after CCTV footage from a petrol pump near the scene showed him in the area. His mobile phone had also been switched off after the incident, leading investigators to initially treat him as a suspect.However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when forensic analysis and DNA examination confirmed that the unidentified body was that of Anikuttan himself. Police are also trying to determine Anikuttan’s connection with Punalur.
