Mangaluru: The Konaje police have arrested four people, following the murder of 71-year-old. The victim, Palliabba also known as Palliyaka, 71, had been reported missing since Thursday. Police found the body of the victim near a quarry in Irapaday on Sunday.
Based on a complaint by Abdul Majeed, Paliiabba’s brother, police intensified the investigation. The police have arrested Hamza,44, a scrap dealer, and Mohammud Azharuddin, 27, an autodriver, Arphaz, 20 and Ameer aka Ammi, 26,, in connection with the crime. Cops said that a financial transaction that turned sour culminated in the murder. While one more accused is absconding, the arrested have been produced before the magistrate.
On Thursday, Palliabba left home around 7.30 pm, and when he did not return home, his brother filed a ‘missing person’ complaint with police. Palliabba’s mobile kept ringing till Friday evening, after which it had been switched off. Bantwal and Konaje police visited the spot where the victim’s body was found.
Hamza had allegedly borrowed Rs 15,000 from Pallibba and owed the victim Rs 70,000, including interest. The duo allegedly clashed multiple times over repayment of the money. On Thursday, Hamza asked Palliabba to meet him under the pretext of returning the money. Palliabba went to meet Hamza by Azhar’s auto. When they met, Palliabba was reportedly strangled to death with a shawl and his body buried in Irapaday.