Youth’s murder: Man, two sons and teen held

T’puram: Kanjiramkulam police arrested four persons, including a father, his two sons and a 17-year-old boy, in connection with murder of a 22-year-old youth following a dispute over alleged reckless bike racing near Kanjiramkulam on Sunday.The victim, Manu alias Manoj, of Kottukal, succumbed to stab injuries sustained during the clash.The arrested accused have been identified as Podiyan alias Biju (48), his sons Ambadi (19), and Midhun (21) and Sajin Lal (17). All four are neighbours of Manu.According to police, the violence was preceded by an altercation between the two groups earlier in the day. Manu’s friends were also present, and locals intervened to disperse the groups before the situation escalated.

During the confrontation, the accused allegedly threatened to stab Manu.Around 9.30pm, the groups crossed paths again outside one of the accused’s houses after they allegedly revved a motorcycle near Manu’s residence. When Manu questioned it, a fresh argument broke out and quickly turned violent. Police source said Ambadi and the juvenile allegedly stabbed Manu from behind and on his arm during the clash. He was rushed to the Neyyattinkara general hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.Further investigation is under way.