Kochi: A man was found dead in a mud-filled area in Tripunithura, Ernakulam, on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Sanal (41), a resident of Eroor.

The incident came to light Wednesday morning after the police were notified by locals about a ruckus between drunkards. When the police arrived at the scene, they found Sanal’s body in the mud. It is learned that the police questioned some of Sanal's friends in connection with the incident. 

Preliminary investigations suggest that a dispute among friends escalated into a fatal attack. The police have registered a case of murder and have begun an investigation. Further details will be available after the post-mortem, officials said.