The arrested are Punith, 23, and Tyagaraja alias Kanthi, 22, both residents of Hassan working as autorickshaw drivers. They were arrested on Tuesday, a day after the murder came to light.
Hassan Superintendent of Police Shubhanvita told reporters on Friday that Manikantha, who worked at a petrol pump in the city, had left his workplace in the afternoon and consumed alcohol before reaching the bus stand, where he ran into his two friends, Punith and Tyagaraja. The three later consumed alcohol together at a bar before boarding an autorickshaw. An argument broke out on the way, which led to the murder, the police said.
Manikantha’s body was found near Channapatna Circle, within the limits of Hassan Extension police station, around 5.30 p.m. on Monday. According to the SP, the accused have confessed to the crime.
