Thrissur : A half-charred body was discovered inside a rented room in Chowannur, Thrissur district, on Sunday, prompting police to launch a detailed investigation into a possible murder.

According to police, the room was reportedly occupied by a man known as Sunny, a local history-sheeter who has been missing since Sunday morning. Residents raised an alarm after spotting smoke billowing from the room and informed Kunnamkulam police.

Fire service personnel and police officers arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. Upon inspection, they found the partially burnt body inside.

A senior police official said that while foul play is suspected, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after a thorough investigation and post-mortem examination.

Sunny, who is believed to have a criminal past, was previously involved in several cases, including a murder, officials added.

The body has been sent for autopsy following the inquest, and forensic experts are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the room to determine how the fire started and whether it was used to destroy evidence.
(With PTI inputs)