Idukki businessman murdered over business dispute; three arrested

Police in Idukki have arrested two more people in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old businessman, Biju Joseph. His body was found in a manhole inside a catering warehouse in Kalayanthani, where he had been missing since Thursday. Joseph went for a walk on Thursday morning and did not return. His family reported him missing the next day. The investigation revealed he had been abducted and killed. Police arrested his former business partner, Jomon, who had disputes over unpaid business shares. Jomon is believed to have hired a gang from Kochi to carry out the abduction. Two members of this gang, Mohammed Aslam and Jomin Kurian, were already in custody and have now been formally arrested. Another suspect, Ashik Johnson, is also involved and is already in judicial custody due to related charges. Investigators said Joseph was tracked before being taken forcefully. A struggle broke out, leading to fatal injuries. His body was hidden in a manhole, mixed with food waste, to conceal the crime. Police also recovered evidence from the scene, including pepper spray and tools used to bury the body. The investigation is still ongoing, and Joseph’s family has received his body following a postmortem examination.