ALOR STAR: Sabari Baharom, 62, the retired Felcra finance officer, was bound and thrown into Sungai Padang Terap because he recognised the men who were robbing him.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh confirmed that the two male suspects, aged 26 and 38, who were arrested on Friday, initially intended to rob Sabari but chose to kill him when he recognised them.
"When the victim recognised the suspects, they bound him, sealed his mouth with tape and threw him into Sungai Padang Terap in Kampung Empa, Derang, Kubang Pasu," he said when contacted.
Fisol said both suspects admitted to dumping the victim into the river during questioning.
"However, the victim's body has yet to be found, and the search is ongoing," he said.
Fisol confirmed that the missing person investigation has been reclassified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Police have updated the victim's family on the latest developments.