Thrissur, 06 July (H.S.)The prime accused in the murder of an Odisha native following a violent assault at a suspected brothel in Thrissur has been arrested from Assam, marking a major breakthrough in the investigation.

The accused, Noor Alam, a native of Assam, was apprehended by a special investigation team led by the Circle Inspector of the Thrissur East Police Station after police tracked him to his home state. He had been absconding since the incident.

With Noor Alam’s arrest, the total number of people held in connection with the case has risen to seven. Police had earlier arrested four men and two women allegedly involved in the incident.

According to the investigation, the victim, Dhanpat Naik, a native of Odisha, was fatally assaulted at a rented house on Korappath Lane in Thrissur city, where police suspect an illegal brothel was operating.

The incident took place around 10 p.m. on June 18 when Dhanpat and one of his friends visited the premises. Police said that after availing sexual services, Dhanpat complained about the quality of the service, leading to a heated argument over payment with those managing the establishment.

The dispute quickly turned violent. Investigators said Dhanpat was repeatedly attacked by a group of people and was also struck with a metal bangle-like object, causing severe injuries. He was rushed to Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite treatment.

Police said Noor Alam allegedly played a key role in the assault before fleeing Kerala immediately after the incident. Based on intelligence inputs and sustained surveillance, the special investigation team traced him to Assam and arrested him.

Investigators are continuing to probe the suspected brothel’s operations, the roles of the remaining accused and whether others were involved in the crime. Police said further legal proceedings against the arrested accused are under way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman