Suspicion of HIV infection led to the murder of gay activist Anil Sadanandan at his harbor quarters near Thangassery on May 10, police said.
The police team probing the case arrested four youths, and said the well-planned murder was executed by three youths.
The three are Hyder Farooq (21) of Mayyanad, Priyan M (23) of Kadappakada and Vishnu C (20) of Pattathanam. The fourth one, Nahas N (21), helped the three to get a new mobile connection.
Police was initially clueless. But, it followed leads on the basis of information provided by neighbours that they heard the sound of an autorickshaw at the odd hour.
Also, the information from the deceased’s cell phone helped crack the case. The cyber cell noted that calls came to Anil from a particular number from which no other calls had been made.
The location of the calls and the time led the police into right direction”, said V Sugathan, CI.
Police said Hyder Farooq, working as a parotta-maker and auto driver had alleged sexual liaison with Anil for more than a year.
He came across the rumor that Anil was affected by HIV + ve and feared he himself was also infected with AIDS. This led Hyder to eliminate Anil who spoiled his life in a young age.
Realising that Anil was stronger than him, Hyder sought the help of Priyan, a school watchman who had criminal background and Priyan’s friend Vishnu, a polytechnic student.
He offered them money and other valuables. Hyder introduced Priyan and Vishnu to Anil at a bus stand two days before the murder.
The team reached the quarters by 10:45pm in an auto on May 9. The youths disguising as men engaging in a group sex with Anil executed the murder plan.
Hyder slit Anil’s throat using a sharp knife while Priyan held the legs and Vishnu covered the mouth. The team left the scene by 11:30pm with a laptop, mobile phones, induction cooker and cash from quarters.
The police team led by Thomson Jose, ACP, and V Sugathan, circle inspector, Kollam east, made the arrest. The accused were produced before the court and remanded.