Shibili, Farhana cut body of Siddique, say police; probe nearing completion

Malappuram: The investigation team has revealed that Farhana and Shibili cut the dead body of hotelier Mecheri Siddique to transport it outside the building on suitcases.

They orchestrated a honey trap to extort money from the Tirur native. Their initial intention was to instil fear in Siddique and extract money. However, when Siddique resisted their attempts, it resulted in his death, according to the statement provided by the accused during their joint interrogation on Friday. 

In the heat of an argument, Shibili wounded Siddique with a knife. The accused believed that Siddique would be intimidated by this act. However, Siddique fiercely retaliated, provoking Shibili's anger. In a fit of rage, Shibili grabbed a hammer, which had been brought by Farhana earlier, and struck Siddique on the head. The entire incident transpired within a span of five minutes. Siddique lost consciousness due to severe bleeding and succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Upon learning of Siddique's demise, Ashiq left the premises and headed straight to the railway station, where he waited.

Subsequently, Shibili and Farhana drove to the railway station in a car. The three individuals deliberated on their next course of action. Ashiq received five thousand rupees from them before returning home. Later, Ashiq joined Shibili and Farhana to aid in concealing the body. Shibili and Farhana procured bags and an electric cutter. They then proceeded to dismember the body. Ashiq had previously worked in a plantation in Agali, and based on this knowledge, it was suggested to dispose of the remains at a bend in the Attappady pass.

Initially, the plan was to dispose of the body at the upper bend. However, due to the presence of people in that area, they decided to throw it away at a lower bend instead. Consequently, the body was discovered relatively quickly. If it had been tossed from the top curve, it would have been more challenging in locating them.

The investigation into the murder is nearing completion, with only a few minor details left to be clarified. The results of the chemical tests are also awaited. On Friday, Shibili and Farhana were presented before the court and remanded, while Ashiq was taken to court on Saturday.