Mangaluru: The city police have arrested six persons including a hotel management student in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Melric Anthony D’Souza, who was hacked to death in his house on Christmas. Investigations have revealed that old-rivalry led to the murder. Police have recovered five lethal weapons, two motorbikes and cellphones from them.

The arrested are Nishak Poojary (28), Vinesh Kumar (30), both residents of Gorigudda; Sachin Shetty (22) of Mulihitlu; Ganesh Kulal (34) of Jeppinamogaru, Praveen Poojary (42) of Gorigudda and Sandeep Shetty (33), a resident of Jeppu Kudpady.

According to police, Melric along with others had attempted to murder Sandeep Shetty at Marnamikatta in May, 2016. In retaliation, the accused killed Melric on Christmas.

Among with the accused, Praveen, Vinesh and Sandeep have been booked earlier in several cases including for attempt to murder and assault. One of the accused Sachin is a hotel management student.

It can be recalled that six people killed Melric at his house in front his grandmother after he had returned home from a Christmas party. Melric was a history sheeter and an aide of Monkey Stand Vijay. He had four cases registered against him and was released from jail two days prior to his murder.