Police arrest fifth suspect in Hemachandran murder case

Medical College police on Sunday (June 28, 2026) arrested the fifth suspect in the case related to the kidnapping and murder of Hemachandran, a Kozhikode-based businessman and a native of Sulthan Bathery, over some alleged financial dealings.

According to police, 41-year-old Leeba, a native of Ulikkal, Kannur, was arrested at Calicut International Airport at Karipur in Malappuram district. Police had previously issued a lookout notice against him. The investigation team is expected to take custody of Leeba for questioning soon.

According to police, the murder took place during an attempt to lure Hemachandran into a honey trap and extort money. It was Leeba who called Hemachandran. He was kidnapped, killed and buried in the Cherambadi forest in Tamil Nadu. Currently, 5 suspects have been arrested regarding the incident. Noushad, Jyotish, Ajesh and Welbin Mathew were others arrested earlier. They are currently under judicial custody.

Hemachandran was reportedly kidnapped from his rented house in Kozhikode in March 2024. His wife had filed a complaint with the Medical College police, saying that Hemachandran was missing since March 20, 2024. In June, police found his body in a forest area in Cherambadi, Tamil Nadu. DNA test confirmed that the deceased was Hemachandran. A scientific investigation revealed that the death was not suicide but murder.

The main suspect, Noushad, claimed through a Facebook video from abroad that the incident was a case of suicide, and when he saw the body, he buried it with his friends. Noushad also requested a new autopsy. However, the investigation team rejected Noushad’s allegations and said in the charge sheet filed in the Kundamangalam First Class Judicial Court that the murder was committed under the leadership of Noushad. He was detained by police at the Bengaluru airport after returning from abroad.