Mangaluru : The CCB police have arrested three persons in connection with the murder of a youth at Panjimogaru on the night of January 3.

The arrested as Sunil Kumar alias Kauti (26), a resident of Panjimogaru, Praveen Poojary alias Chotu (23), a resident of Kodikkal (sixth cross), Preetham alias Abhi (22), a resident of Sunkadakatte.

The arrested had hacked to death one Rajesh over a trivial issue. Incidentally, the arrested and victim were friends.

DCP (Crime) Uma Prashanth said that the arrested had criminal antecedents. Sunil Kumar had two assault cases against him in Urwa Police Station and was also involved in a murder conspiracy and extortion at the behest of underworld fugitive Kali Yogish.

There are dacoity, attempt to murder and ganja peddling cases against Praveen in Mangaluru East, Mangaluru South and Alanahalli police stations. While Preetham has two assault and ganja peddling cases against him in Urwa Police station.