Thrissur: An elderly man was allegedly murdered by his son at Mulayam Koottala here on Tuesday. The deceased is identified as Mootthedath Sundaran Nair (80), a native of Koottala. Police said that he was killed by his son, Sumesh (40).

The incident took place following an argument over money. Under the influence of alcohol, Sumesh struck his father on the head with a piece of firewood inside their house, resulting in his death. Following the murder, Sumesh stuffed the body into a sack and dumped it in a pit adjacent to the Koottala milk society.

The incident came to light after Sundaran's grandchildren returned home from school, only to find him missing. On noticing bloodstains inside the house, they informed the neighbours, who then began searching the area.

Sundaran's body was found around 6 pm. However, his gold chain and ring were missing, according to close relatives. During the investigation, police also discovered that Sumesh was missing, which raised their suspicions.

Sumesh was taken into police custody around 9 pm near his house in Puzhampallam. Sundaran Nair lived with his wife Kamalam and two grandchildren, who are the children of his deceased daughter.

Thrissur City Police Commissioner R Ilango and ACP Saleesh Sankaran visited the crime scene.