Thiruvananthapur, 26 July (H.S.):

A 30-year-old man was hacked to death in broad daylight in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, allegedly by his neighbour and three associates following a long-standing personal feud. The shocking incident, which occurred on a busy public road, has triggered a police manhunt for the accused, who remain absconding.

The victim, identified as Visakh, a native of Vanchiyoor, was attacked around 2 p.m. on Chambakkada Nalumukku Road. According to the police, the assailants intercepted him and repeatedly stabbed him on his hands and legs with sharp-edged weapons. Investigators believe the attack was the result of an earlier enmity between the victim and the accused.

Residents who witnessed the assault rushed Visakh to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. However, doctors declared him brought dead. The incident caused panic in the locality, with police rushing to the spot soon after receiving information.

Based on a complaint lodged by Visakh's mother, Kumari, the Vanchiyoor police registered a case against four persons, including the victim's neighbour, Pradeep. The accused have been booked under Sections 103 (punishment for murder) and 3(5) (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Police officials said the crime scene has been thoroughly examined and forensic evidence collected for scientific analysis. Investigators are also reviewing available evidence and questioning witnesses to establish the sequence of events leading to the murder.

The body has been sent to the Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination, and police are awaiting the autopsy report to aid the investigation.

A search has been launched to trace the four accused, who fled the scene after the attack. Police said multiple teams have been deployed, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the forensic examination and the ongoing investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman