Kasaragod: Kabaddi player Santhosh (37) from Nileshwar was murdered, police sources revealed. His cousin has been arrested in connection with the case.

The arrested is identified as Manoj (38), a resident of Chettinad. An illegitimate affair is said to be the reason for the murder.

Santhosh was found dead at his residence on December 7. As the family members suspected foul play, his body was sent to Pariyaram Medical Hospital. The autopsy report confirmed that Santhosh died due to asphyxiation.

According to sources, Manoj had divorced his wife and was allegedly having an affair with Santhosh’s wife. On the previous day of the murder, Santhosh, in an inebriated state had hit his mother due to which she had to be hospitalized. Santhosh’s wife stayed in the hospital.

The next day too, Santhosh was drunk and had slept in the house. As he was alone, Manoj took advantage of the situation and strangled Santhosh to death. The family members learnt about the death the next day. As they expressed suspicion about the death, a police probe was initiated.

The involvement of Santhosh’s wife’s in the murder is being probed.