Belthangady : Three residents of Totadday village near Belthangady have been arrested on the charge of murdering 38-year-old Peter M.J., who was involved in cases of murder and theft.

The police have arrested M.A. Thomas (54), Saju Thomas (38) and Antony (54) for reportedly assaulting Peter on February 15, 2016.

The three have been accused of assaulting Peter after he was caught red-handed with a bag of arecanut stolen from a house. Peter died before the police could reach the spot.

The police said that Peter was involved in another case of theft of arecanut.

He was also involved in a case of double murder in Belthangady, the police said.