Kasaragod, Kerala: Police have arrested a man who allegedly killed a woman he was living with, wrapped her body in a cloth, and abandoned it inside a house.

The accused, Anto Sebastian (39), a native of Meppadi in Wayanad, was apprehended by Badiadka police with assistance from local authorities.

The victim, Neethu Krishnan (30), from Kottiyam, Kollam, was allegedly murdered by Anto in January 2023. The couple was staying together near an estate in Manjeshwaram. Anto, who worked as a rubber tapping labourer, had come to Kasaragod for employment. Both he and Neethu were residing at the estate premises.

Initially, Anto informed fellow workers and the estate supervisor that Neethu had gone missing. Following a complaint from the estate supervisor, police registered a missing person case.

On February 1, 2023, locals alerted authorities after a foul smell emerged from the house. It was during this inspection that Neethu’s body was found in the attic of their house. By then, Anto had left the area.

He was later arrested in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram. After being granted bail, the accused went into hiding and was declared a fugitive by the court.