A 21-year-old marathon runner from Kokkilai North was hacked to death in the early hours, in what police suspect may be linked to a bizarre treasure-hunting plot.

The victim, Jeyaraj Subaraj, was returning home from work at the Kokkilai Lagoon beach between midnight and 2:00 a.m. when he was ambushed by unidentified assailants armed with sharp weapons. The attack occurred about 300 metres from the Kottaikeni Pillaiyar Temple and 50 metres from the lagoon shore.

A co-worker spotted Subaraj lying motionless on the road around 2:30 a.m. At first, he suspected an elephant attack — a common occurrence in the area — but on alerting the victim’s father and the local Rural Development Society president, they discovered deep cut wounds, confirming a violent assault.

Kokkilai Police, assisted by forensic experts and sniffer dogs, launched an intensive investigation. Mullaitivu District Magistrate Dharmalingam Pradeepan visited the scene, ordering the collection of forensic evidence, fingerprint analysis, and a post-mortem before the body was released to the family.

Treasure-Hunting Sacrifice Theory

Family members told investigators they suspect a close relative of orchestrating the killing. The man, reportedly obsessed with treasure hunting, is alleged to have repeatedly spoken about the need for a human sacrifice to unlock hidden wealth. He is now in police custody for questioning.

Authorities are also examining other possible motives, including personal disputes.

Subaraj was a rising star in the Northern Province’s athletics circuit, holding multiple provincial marathon records. His sudden and brutal death has left the local sports community and Kokkilai residents in shock.

Police say the treasure-hunting angle remains a prime focus of the investigation, as the community mourns the loss of one of its brightest young athletes.