Banteay Meanchey provincial police on Monday solved the murder of a man whose body was then burned in a tyre fire to destroy the evidence. Two brothers were sent to the provincial court in relation to the case.

The incident – being treated as premeditated murder – occurred between 10am and 12pm in Thma Romiel Khang Koeut village, a Thma Puok district police report said.

It named the victim as Han Sothun, 36, the owner of a rice mill in Banteay Ampil district’s Ampil Chas village in Oddar Meanchey province.

Banteay Meanchey deputy provincial police chief Sith Los, who is in charge of the serious crimes office, said on Wednesday that the operation was led by Ath Khem, Banteay Meanchey provincial police chief, with provincial prosecutor Meas Chanpiseth second in command.

The suspects, identified as Suot Sopheak, 34, and Suot Sophat, 37, were arrested at 10pm on Tuesday.

After being detained, the suspects confessed it was premeditated murder, Los said.

They said Sophat attacked the victim with a knife, slashing him in the neck and arm. With the victim dead, Sopheak helped burn the body to destroy the evidence.

“[Sophat] killed the victim after finding out that he had slept with the wife of his younger brother [Sopheak]."

“[Sophat] was angry and went to kill the victim. After the murder, the older suspect called his younger brother to bring car tyres and burn the victim’s corpse,” Los said.

He said the case was now closed and the suspects will be sent to provincial court on Thursday.