Kottayam: A financial dispute is believed to have triggered the murder of a 23-year-old man in Manganam on Monday. Police had taken former Congress councillor Anil Kumar and his son Abhijith into custody in connection with the case. Abhijith’s arrest was later recorded at the Kottayam West police station.

Kottayam district police chief Shahul Hameed IPS questioned the accused at the scene. The suspects initially claimed the dispute was linked to a bike pledged as collateral, though police say they do not fully accept this version and are continuing detailed interrogation. Evidence collection is in progress at the crime scene.

The victim, Adarsh, a resident of Manganam in Puthuppally, was stabbed to death around 1.30 am on Sunday outside Anil Kumar’s residence. 

According to police, Adarsh reached Abhijith’s house around midnight and created a commotion. A fight broke out, during which Abhijith allegedly stabbed Adarsh. Police said that Anil Kumar attempted to intervene and pull his son away during the altercation. CCTV visuals show Anil Kumar and his wife trying to dissuade their son from committing the crime. Adarsh was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital but died from his injuries. The body is kept at the hospital mortuary for an autopsy.

Anil Kumar had recently filed nomination papers as a UDF rebel candidate for the Kottayam municipal polls. He submitted his nomination after being denied a ticket by the Indian National Congress and had reportedly held discussions with local CPM leaders before deciding to contest independently. His detention came on the last day for withdrawing nominations.