The murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker K. K. Radhakrishnan at Kaithapram in Kannur, Kerala, on Thursday (March 20) was triggered by a breakdown in friendship between his wife and the accused, Santhosh, according to the FIR.

Police investigation revealed that Santhosh, who is unmarried, and Radhakrishnan’s wife had been classmates. The deterioration of their friendship led to tensions and resulted in the murder. Radhakrishnan’s wife is a district committee member of the BJP.

The crime took place around 7.10 p.m on Thursday at a newly constructed house, where Radhakrishnan frequently visited. It is believed that Santhosh, aware of his visits, arrived at the spot armed with a gun.

The police suspect that the accused later discarded the weapon in a nearby well. A search is to retrieve the weapon.

Santhosh, who was reportedly in an inebriated condition at the time of his arrest, revealed the motive during questioning.

A post-mortem examination of Radhakrishnan’s body is scheduled for Friday at Kannur Government Medical College Hospital.