Mangaluru : A merchant of Kumble origin who was undertaking business in Mangaluru was found dead in a lodge near Pumpwell on December 13, Tuesday. 

The deceased is Abdul Karim (55). He had taken a room at a lodge near Pumpwell on Monday. Meanwhile his family members grew suspicious as he was not receiving their repeated calls. Even the lodge staff grew suspicious on hearing mobile calls going unanswered. On checking they found Karim dead on the bed,

City Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar also visited the spot. He said so far the exact cause of the death has not been ascertained.

Police have registered a case of suspicious death and are investigating.