Following a dispute over property, four siblings allegedly killed their brother and hid the dead body inside a septic tank in Palakkad district.

Manikandan, 43, was missing from home since September 5 and nobody had complained about this to the police. Neighbours reportedly noted that Manikandan was even missing for the marriage of his brother, which happened last week.

Following this, some of the locals grew suspicious and informed the police.

Initially, the secret wing of the police conducted an enquiry and found that there was some mystery in the case. Later, Puthupariyaram Panchayath president filed a complaint with the police, and a case was registered.

After questioning the brothers, it came to light that the body was hidden inside the septic tank for the last 15 days, Asianet News reports. The accused also revealed that Manikandan was tied and beaten for many days over a property dispute, before he died.

Manikandan had earlier filed a complaint against his siblings and his father over a property dispute.

Police says that this was the main reason for the murder. Except for one of Manikandan’s brothers Krishnankutty, who had his wedding last week and is absconding, the other three brothers are now in police custody.

Manikandan’s partially decayed body has been taken to Palakkad district hospital for post-mortem.