Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Feb 17: A decomposed male body was found behind a deserted house next to the main road near the city bus stand here on Friday February 17.

The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained, however, he is said to be between 35 and 40 years old.

Prima facie, it is suspected to be a case of murder.

The house belongs to one Prashant Kamath, who had given it on rent to some migrant workers sometime back. The workers had vacated three or four months ago, and since then the house has been deserted.

The incident came to light when some people at a nearby garage sensed a foul smell emanating from the premises of the house, and on checking, they found the body.

It is surmised that the death might have occured about three or four days ago.

The lock on the rear door of the house was broken, and playing cards were found near the body, indicating that the man might have been murdered over gambling.

Locals said that about 500 metres from the spot, another man had been murdered about five months ago over gambling.

The body has been taken for post-mortem.

DSP Kumaraswamy, inspector Naveenchandra, SI Ananth Padmanabha and other police personnel visited the spot.

Further investigations are on.