Two arrested in murder of hotel owner

The Museum police have recorded the arrests of two people, including a Nepalese, in connection with the death of a hotel owner in the city on Tuesday.

The accused have been identified as Adimalathura native Rajesh and David of Nepal. They have reportedly confessed to have murdered the deceased, Justin Raj, after he dismissed them from their jobs at the hotel.

The businessman was found murdered in a rented house in Edapazhinji where the accused were staying. Justin, who co-owned a hotel in Vazhuthacaud, employed eight workers, including the accused duo. Both had been irregular in attending work, prompting the victim to terminate their services, the police said.

Confrontation escalated

The confrontation escalated after Justin visited the house to speak with the workers. It is alleged that Rajesh attacked him first, causing him to fall, after which both suspects assaulted him and ultimately strangled him to death.

Justin, who was also involved in real estate and construction sectors, was reported missing after he failed to return from a site visit. His friend, Stanley, later approached the police after several failed attempts to contact him. The police tracked David’s mobile phone, which led them to Rajesh.

Subsequently, the police located the suspects from Adimalathura, where they allegedly resisted arrest while in a drunken state. Four police officers were injured during the confrontation.

Justin was the son-in-law of late Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Parassala MLA M. Sathyanesan.