Kozhikode: Five years after his disappearance, a youth from West Hill, Kozhikode, was confirmed dead on Monday, reportedly murdered by his close friends. Vigil Velathipadikkal (29) was given a drug overdose by his companions, Nikhil Kulangara Kandy and Deepesh, who were later arrested by Elathur police.

The arrests followed a fresh investigation launched into missing persons cases under Inspector K R Renjith. When they were questioned again, one of the accused reportedly confessed out of repentance, revealing the events of March 17, 2019, when Vigil went missing.

Police told Vigil’s father that his two friends abandoned him after he lost consciousness. They later returned at night, drowned him in the Sarovaram area, and concealed the body. The next morning, they noticed that a part of his head was visible and covered it with a slab. Months later, they disposed of his skeleton at sea, disguising the act as a funeral ritual to destroy evidence.

“Every Sunday, they met, yet they did this to my child. When I asked them about his disappearance, they lied that he was not in touch with them,” said Vijayan Velathipadikkal Vigil’s father. He added that the accused frequently visited their house during school days and was considered a part of the family.

The Koyilandy First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has granted police custody of the accused for three days. Police have begun evidence collection with the accused in custody. They were taken to Kallayi Railway Station, where they claimed to have abandoned Vigil’s two-wheeler. Officers are also expected to take them to the Sarovaram site, where his remains were first buried.

Vigil, an electrician, trained at a private ITI after completing Plus Two. He is survived by his parents, Vijayan and Vasantha, and his brother, Vijith.