Second Accused in Vizhinjam Murder Held

Arogyadas had gone to a Gulf country via Chennai after Shaji’s murder which took place in August

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vizhinjam police on Tuesday took the second accused in the Vizhinjam murder case into custody. The accused has been identified as Arogyadas alias Arun, 38, a native of Vizhinjam. However, it is learnt that the arrest will only be formally recorded on Wednesday after completing the preliminary formalities, including the interrogation. According to the police, Arogyadas was equally involved with first accused Satheesh Kumar in murdering the latter’s brother Shaji, the previous month.

Arogyadas had absconded to a Gulf country via Chennai ever since Shaji’s murder took place. He reportedly landed in police custody at Tamil Nadu.  Shaji, 32 was bludgeoned to death by his brother Satheesh and Arogyadas in a hotel room at Kovalam  and later dumped in the sea, off Vizhinjam coast in a gunny bag, the police said.

to note

■ Arogyadas was equally involved with first accused Satheesh Kumar in murdering the latter’s brother Shaji, police said

■ Arogyadas returned from the Gulf to Chennai a few weeks ago to surrender before the police

■ The incident took place in early August when Shaji’s body was washed ashore at Pulluvila coast

■ The face was deformed beyond recognition and there was a bathing towel tied tightly around the face, gagging the mouth

 Arogyadas was involved right from the beginning right from the conspiracy to the when the murder took place. He was with Satheesh. Infact, he will be arraigned as a key accused along with Satheesh considering his key role in the whole event. Though he is under our surveillance, the arrest will be made only on Wednesday,” said Vizhinjam CI, Binu.  Meanwhile, sources said that Arogyadas returned from the Gulf to Chennai a few weeks ago to surrender before the police as they had begun issuing a look-out notice for him.  The first accused Satheesh is under judicial custody. The incident took place in early August when Shaji’s body was washed ashore at Pulluvila coast, near here. The body was found around 6 am by locals in a gunny bag. Shaji’s hands and legs were tied and folded to the neck. There was a deep wound to his neck. The face was deformed beyond recognition and there was a bathing towel tied tightly around the face.