A Thrissur youngster who had reported the missing of his elder brother last week was arrested for murder after the body was retrieved Thursday.

Babu, a 27-year-old daily-wage worker was reportedly strangulated by his younger brother, Sabu for his alleged alcoholism and violent behaviour.

The police say that the murder took place on the 19th at Muthuliyal near Cherpu in the Thrissur district.

The body was found in vacant land in the vicinity of their house.

The incident came to light when a neighbour grazing his cattle found soil freshly laid at a spot in the vacant land.

A group of locals examined the area the next day and found a hand as they were removing the soil. They realised it was Babu from a tattoo on the hand and informed the police.

Locals informed the police that on the day Babu went missing, the brothers had a quarrel.

Sabu has reportedly confessed to the crime. He said Babu had come drunk and attacked him and their mother. It was out of anger that he strangulated his brother, Sabu told the police.

The police also suspect the involvement of the mother in the murder.