Short-film director Jayan Kombanad found dead with throat slit, friend arrested

Short-film director Jayan Kombanad was found dead with his throat slit at a lodge in Kothamangalam. His friend Joby, 28, surrendered before the police and is suspected to have committed the crime. 

Jayan, 29, is a native of Kombanad, Perumbavoor. His body was found at a lodge in Kothamangalam on Thursday night. 

Jayan and Joby had been friends for several years and were having a studio in Kothamangalam. On Thursday night, the duo had liquor. Joby is suspected to have committed the crime following a brawl, the police said. 

Joby called their common friends and said that Jayan cheated him. Police suspect that a sudden provocation led to the murder. 

The officials have recovered a knife from the crime spot which was apparently used for murder. They also got the mobile phone of the victim. 

Jayan was a freelance photographer and have directed some short films. He was staying at the lodge near Kothamangalam private bus stand for past one year. Joby used to visit him frequently, and the duo used to have alcohol together. Despite being married, Jayan rarely visited his home.

Joby arrived at the lodge late night on Thursday and others staying at the lodge said they heard a loud noise from Jayan's room. "Joby slept in the same room after committing murder and left the place only in the morning. He surrendered after another friend asked him to do so," the police said. 

Joby was involved in various cases including one of domestic violence and some assault cases.