Kattappana Man’s Death Ruled Murder After Three Friends Arrested
KATTAPPANA, INDIA — September 20, 2026

The death of a 45-year-old man whose body was found by the roadside in Kattappana, Kerala, has been declared a murder after police arrested three of his friends in connection with the case.

The victim, identified as Kunjumon, also known as Kunchu, was initially believed to have suffered a medical emergency or natural death after he was found seriously injured near a roadside shop.

Argument During Drinking Session
According to police, Kunjumon had been drinking with three friends at a barber shop in Kattappana on the night of August 25.

An argument reportedly broke out during the gathering. Police allege that the three men then assaulted Kunjumon, repeatedly hitting him and knocking him to the ground.

Investigators say the suspects subsequently dragged him by his legs down a flight of concrete steps before leaving him near the roadside.

Victim Died Two Days Later
Kunjumon managed to crawl to the verandah of a nearby shop, where he was found the following morning.

Because he was reportedly known to sleep on shop verandahs, residents initially did not suspect that he had suffered serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital and later transferred to Idukki Medical College Hospital. He died on August 27.

A postmortem examination found fractures to eight ribs and internal bleeding, prompting investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding his death.

Autorickshaw Driver’s Statement
A key development in the investigation came from an autorickshaw driver who reportedly saw the men dragging Kunjumon toward the roadside.

Police subsequently arrested three suspects identified in reports as Rinumon Reji, Babu Thankappan and P. T. Sureshkumar.

Authorities said the suspects reportedly confessed during questioning. They are expected to be presented before a court as the investigation continues.

Police have not indicated that anyone else is currently being sought in connection with the killing.

Sources: Times of India; Onmanorama; Manorama Online.