Kodagu police intensify probe into planter’s murder

Madikeri: Kodagu police have intensified investigation into the murder of a coffee planter in B Shettigeri.Pradeep Koyili, a resident of Kannur in Kerala and owner of a plantation in Kongana village near B Shettigeri, was found dead on Wednesday. It was revealed that his assailants murdered him by suffocating him with a nylon rope tied around his neck.Police are investigating the case from various angles. They have collected digital evidence including CCTV footage.Pradeep bought a 32-acre coffee plantation in Kongana village 14 years ago and was living alone in a house in the middle of the plantation. He was friends with Sreejith of Arji village in Virajpet and used to visit Arji village frequently. Pradeep visited Sreejith's shop on April 21, and on April 23, Sreejith went to Pradeep's house with his wife and children, but the door was found locked. Pradeep did not answer his calls even after several attempts. Sreejith left the snacks that he had brought for them and left.When Sreejith returned to Pradeep's house in the evening, he still didn't find Pradeep there. Sreejith had another key to the house. Upon opening the door, he found Pradeep lying in front of the toilet, with a bedsheet covering him. On removing the bedsheet, he discovered a nylon rope tied around Pradeep's neck, said police, quoting Sreejith's complaint.