Kozhikode (Kerala) | A man was found dead inside a rented house here late on Monday night, with police investigating whether the death was caused by assault or drug use.

The deceased has been identified as Shereeq in his 30's, a native of Pullook Chalil in Iringallur.

According to police, Mohammed Ashraf, a friend of Shereeq and also a native of Iringallur, called the Pantheerankavu police and informed them about the incident.

The two were staying together in the rented house at Mundupalam in Perumanna where the body was found.

Police said Ashraf told them over the phone that he had hit Shereeq on the head and killed him, and that the body was lying inside the house.

A police team immediately rushed to the spot and carried out an inspection.

However, officers said the initial examination did not reveal any clear signs of murder.

They suspect the death could have been caused by drug use, though the exact cause will be known only after the post-mortem examination.

Ashraf has been taken into police custody and is being questioned as part of the investigation.

The body was examined by forensic experts at the scene before being shifted for post-mortem.

Police said further investigation is under way