Malappuram: In an unfortunate incident, a young man who tried to stop assailants from stabbing his friend, was in turn stabbed to death. The deceased Prajith (26) is son of Kokkiyaparambu native Chandran. The injured friend, Naufal, sought treatment at the Medical college hospital here.

Reports said that two Edavanna natives have been taken into police custody in relation to the case. The murder took place on Sunday evening near GLP school Kizhiserry.

As per reports, a group of three travelling in an auto rickshaw came at around 5:30 pm and were seen speaking to Naufal. Their conversation soon turned into a  verbal spat. Prajith, who was standing nearby and drinking tea, saw Naufal being held by the gang and intervened. Reportedly, Prajith was stabbed when trying to save Naufal. 

Naufal sustained a stab wound on his hand. Prajith, who was stabbed in the chest, fell on the road when trying to run away. Meanwhile, the gang escaped. Locals took Prajith to Manjeri Medical college hospital but he succumbed on the way.

The body was shifted to Kozhikode medical college mortuary. It is reported that the assailants and victims are all friends and known to each other. A possible drug dealing angle is also suspected. Police have begun an investigation into the case.