Thodupuzha: Police have arrested the prime accused in the murder of a youth who was hacked to death at Karimannoor on Wednesday night. The victim, Vincent Mathew (45) of Kiliyara Puthenpura, was killed near Kampipalam.

The accused, Binu Chandra (38) of Kapilamkudi, Marampara, was taken into custody by Karimannoor police while attempting to flee. According to police, the incident occurred around 8 pm when Vincent’s friend, autorickshaw driver Eldose George of Kollapuzha Pulluvelikadavu, and his companions were drinking at a rented house near a liquor shop. Binu allegedly reached the spot and attacked Eldose with a beer bottle. Eldose fled the scene in panic.

Vincent was later called to mediate. During the heated argument, Binu allegedly hacked him on the neck with a sharp weapon. He also tried to attack Eldose, who managed to escape.

After the assault, Binu reportedly stayed at the scene for a while before leaving. Eldose and his friends returned, found Vincent bleeding heavily, and rushed him to a private hospital in Muthalakodam. He died on the way due to severe blood loss from a deep neck injury, the post-mortem revealed.

Police said there had been previous altercations between Binu and Eldose, who himself faces several criminal cases.

Binu was produced before court on Thursday and remanded. The investigation is led by Karimannoor SHO V C Vishnukumar, SI Baby Joseph, SCPO Shanavas, and CPO Rahul Sibi.

Vincent’s funeral will be held at 4 pm on Friday at St Mary’s Forane Church, Karimannoor.