Thrissur: Martin Joseph, the accused in a high-profile Kochi flat sexual assault case, was arrested early Thursday after surrendering to Peramangalam police. He was wanted in connection with the stabbing of a 26-year-old woman in Thrissur two days ago.

Around 1.30 am, Martin walked into the station, giving himself up amid an intense manhunt that extended across districts and reached Bengaluru. He had allegedly stabbed Sharmila, a resident of Mulankunnathukavu, inside a flat at Adatt, Thrissur. The two reportedly lived together, and a quarrel allegedly triggered the attack. Sharmila, who sustained grievous injuries, continues treatment at a private hospital in Thrissur.

Police had expanded the search across northern Kerala districts and Karnataka after learning Martin might have crossed state borders. However, he surrendered before being apprehended.

Martin Joseph, a native of Puthurkkara, Thrissur, is already facing charges in a 2021 sexual assault case involving a 27-year-old woman from Mattannur. He was previously tracked down to a flat at Kiralur, Mundur, Thrissur, and arrested after a dramatic chase through neighbouring houses, aided by hundreds of local residents.