Reports indicate that the murder of Santhosh in Karunagappally, Kollam, was a contract killing. The contract was allegedly given by a native of Vallikunnam in Alappuzha district, who is currently absconding. The murder is believed to be the result of a long-standing rivalry between two groups centered around Karunagappally and Ochira.
Santhosh, also known as “Gym Santhosh,” a resident of Thachayilmukku, west of the KSEB office in Karunagappally, was the victim. He had been in remand for stabbing another gang leader in November last year. The murder occurred shortly after he was released from custody, and initial findings suggest that previous enmity was the motive behind the crime.
The attackers first broke down the door with a crowbar. They then threw an explosive device into the room and attacked Santhosh with a machete. His legs were completely shattered using an iron rod. Despite his mother Omana raising an alarm, the attackers continued the assault relentlessly. After ensuring he was dead, the assailants fled the scene in a car.
Santhosh had managed to inform his friend about the attack over the phone after the assailants left. His friend, Ratheesh, rushed to the scene and took a severely injured Santhosh to the hospital, but his life could not be saved.
