Alappuzha (Kerala), Aug 25 - Why was Paul M. George, the murdered 32-year-old scion of the Muthoot business house, travelling in the company of two men with police records on the night of his killing? This is one puzzling question to which Kerala Police do not seem to have an answer though they have arrested 11 people.

George, a bachelor and son of prominent businessman and head of one of the four groups of the Muthoot business house M.G. George Muthoot, was murdered Friday night near here.

Kerala's Inspector General of Police Vinson M. Paul announced the arrest of 11 people with known criminal antecedents Monday evening. However, he was unable to give a clear answer when asked how was George found travelling in the car with two men - Om Prakash and P. Rajesh - who reportedly have high political connections.

Om Prakash has a murder case against him and has been on the run since 2007, while a lookout notice was issued for Rajesh by the police Monday. Both are listed as goonda elements with the police.

Paul told the media that investigations would reveal the link between George and the two men.

George and the two men were in two vehicles - a Ford Endeavour and a Scorpio - on the night of the murder. George was driving the Endeavour, which did not belong to him.

However, later Om Prakash and Rajesh left together in the Endeavour and abandoned the Scorpio car at a place under Chavara Police station in Kollam district.

The Scorpio, which belonged to George, was following behind with his driver at the wheel.

The Chavara Police had reportedly tried to hand over the Endeavour to three people who had come from Thiruvananthapuram, but the attempt was foiled after mediapersons reported Saturday that George was driving this vehicle on the night of his murder.