Overview
- Aluva Atul, the prime accused in Gym Santhosh’s 2025 murder, was hacked to death on NH66 near Karunagappally after leaving the police station under bail reporting.
- The attackers rammed his car into an under-construction trench around 11 a.m. at Puthiyakavu, smashed the windows, and assaulted him with sharp weapons as CCTV recorded the attack.
- His companion, identified as Manu, was injured during the assault, with differing accounts saying he either fled the scene or was hospitalised.
- Police first detained four suspects and later arrested four more near Mundakayam, raising the total held to eight, with officials naming Vishnu, Ashiq, and Hussain among those in custody.
- Investigators seized the vehicle used, reviewed CCTV and forensic evidence, sealed nearby borders, formed special teams, and tightened security across Kollam as the manhunt for any remaining suspects continues.