A 32-year-old man from Chengavilai near Kailiyakkavilai was found dead near Kuzhithurai in the late hours of Friday.According to police sources, the deceased was identified as Athul, 32, a resident of Chengavilai. His body was found in the Tamirabharani river near Kuzhithurai. Upon noticing the body, locals alerted the police.Police and Fire and Rescue Services Personnel rushed to spot and recovered the body. Police suspect that Athul may have died a few days earlier, as the body was found in a decomposed state.The body was then sent to Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam for post mortem examination.Preliminary investigation suggests that Athul was Kerala president of Tamil Nadu Shiv Sena. His car was found abandoned in Chitharal area, and CCTV footage dated July 28 reportedly showed Athul and three others walking away after parking the vehicle.A case has been registered at Marthandam police station and further investigations are under way.A senior police official said that Athul has no visible external injuries and that necessary action would be taken based on the post-mortem examination report. Published - August 01, 2026 09:21 pm IST