Thrissur: The murder of a history-sheeter named Akshay alias Koothan at Perumpilavu in Thrissur murder was triggered by a fallout with his former associates of the gang over the filming of a reel, according to the police. Akshay, who had multiple criminal cases against him, was hacked to death on Friday night by Lishoy, a key member of a drug racket.

Akshay, Lishoy, and Badusha were known to be friends and associates in the drug trade. The main accused, Lishoy and his gang, allegedly excluded Akshay from a reel they had shot recently. Akshay suspected that Lishoy and others were distancing themselves from him. When Akshay confronted them over the reel, he was brutally attacked and killed in front of his wife. The incident occurred around 8.30 pm on Friday at Aalthara Nalucent Colony, Perumpilavu. Akshay, who was seriously wounded in the attack, died at the scene. His body was later shifted to the mortuary at Kunnamkulam Taluk Hospital on Friday night. Another gang member, Badusha, was also injured in the attack and has been admitted to a private hospital in Perumpilavu. 

Both Akshay and the accused had multiple criminal cases against them. Previously involved in assault cases, they later turned to drug dealing, including substances like ganja and MDMA. These drug gangs were also active on social media, frequently posting cinematic-style reels. The conflict that led to the murder stemmed from the filming of such a reel in collaboration with another gang.

Lishoy was taken into custody from his residence on Saturday morning. Police also arrested Nikhil and Akash, both from Perumpilavu, in connection with the case.