Kasaragod Theyyam Artist’s Death Ruled Homicide; Friend in Custody

Kasaragod: The death of Theyyam artist T. Satheesan (43), also known as Biju, from Kasaragod, has been determined to be a homicide. Police have taken his friend, Chithananda, into custody in connection with the incident. Satheesan was found unconscious on the veranda of his neighbor Thambu Naik alias Chomanna Naik’s house.

His sister, Soumini, found Satheesan unconscious. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead. The post-mortem examination revealed that Satheesan’s collarbone was fractured. The doctor who performed the post-mortem also informed the police that Satheesan had internal injuries on the back of his body. Following this, Bedakam Police took Chithananda into custody.

Satheesan and Chithananda frequently visited their neighbor Chomanna Naik’s house to drink alcohol. On Monday afternoon, both arrived at the house and, as usual, consumed alcohol. The homeowner was also offered drinks. Subsequently, Satheesan and Chithananda got into an argument. As the argument escalated, Chithananda allegedly pushed Satheesan, who was sitting on the veranda, from behind, causing him to fall.

Satheesan fell headfirst. With the help of another person, he was picked up and laid on the veranda. When he complained of pain, he was given ointment and pain relief tablets. Believing that the unconscious Satheesan was merely asleep, Chithananda left the scene. Soumini found her brother unconscious when she went to Chomanna Naik’s house after he didn’t return home.