Thiruvananthapuram | Four persons, including a minor, were taken into custody for allegedly murdering a youth following a clash over the loud noise made while starting a motorcycle in front of his house at Kottukal here, police said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Manu (22), a resident of Kannaravila in Kottukal.

Police have taken Ambadi, Midhun, Podiyan and a minor, all neighbours of the deceased, into custody, officials said.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Sunday when Ambadi and the minor, who were allegedly involved in illegal motorcycle racing, reached near Manu's house.

Their motorcycle stalled after it ran out of fuel.

After arranging fuel and refilling the tank, they started the motorcycle.

Soon, Manu came out of his house and questioned them over the loud noise, leading to an argument, police said.

Later, when Manu reached near the house of one of the accused, the four, including the minor, allegedly attacked him.

During the assault, Manu was stabbed, police said.

He was rushed to a hospital in Neyyattinkara, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police said Midhun and some of his friends later reached the hospital and allegedly created a ruckus, following which they were detained.

All the accused are in custody and their arrests will be formally recorded, police said.

Kanjiramkulam police have registered a case of murder and launched an investigation.

The body will be handed over to the relatives after the post-mortem examination, police added.