Youth From Odisha Killed by Friend at Malpe port
Udupi: A fight between two friends in an anchored boat at Baputhota, Malpe port, ended with murder here on December 16.
The deceased has been identified as Preetham (24) a Native of Odisha. The accused Maruthi (40) a resident of Koppal district escaped after the incident. Both were working in a boat owned by Dattaraj of Katapadi.
According to the police, the two had gone fishing from the Malpe harbor on December 10 in the boat. After finishing their work they returned to Malpe port on December 16. After unloading the catch, the boat was anchored at Baputhota, Malpe. Preetham and Maruti had stayed back in the boat during the night.
On December 17, the boat owner Dattaraj had got the boat pulled to the Malpe port for repair work. While the boat was being pulled Dattaraj saw blood stains in the boat and later found the dead body of Preetham near the engine.
The police suspected that a fight had taken place in the boat for unknown reasons under the influence of alcohol. Maruti reportedly had hit Preetham with a sharp weapon killing him. He had then pushed the body into the engine room and fled.
A case has been registered in the Malpe Police Station and investigation is on.
