Mangaluru: Brother detained after labourer’s body found in well; murder suspected

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 20, 2026: Police have detained the elder brother of a 20-year-old labourer whose body was found in a well near Krishnapura Math at Chokkabettu under the Surathkal Police Station limits. The death is suspected to be a case of murder.

The deceased has been identified as Mallikarjun (20), a native of Kushtagi taluk in Koppal district. He had come to Mangaluru for work and was staying in a rented house owned by a woman named Rekha near Chokkabettu Math, where he worked as a daily wage labourer.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mallikarjun’s body was recovered from a nearby well under suspicious circumstances, prompting police to suspect foul play. Surathkal police rushed to the spot after receiving information and began an investigation.

In connection with the case, police have taken into custody Somnath (21), the deceased’s elder brother, who was living with him in the same rented house. Police sources said Somnath has emerged as the prime suspect based on the initial investigation.

As part of the probe, another young man from a neighbouring house has also been detained for questioning.

The motive behind the suspected murder is yet to be established. Police are investigating the case from multiple angles, including the possibility of a personal dispute. Further details are expected to emerge after the interrogation.