A trivial argument over a cigarette turned deadly in Chennai's Nolambur area after four intoxicated men allegedly beat a 62-year-old migrant laborer to death with a wooden stick.
Who was the victim
The deceased has been identified as N. Abhijit Mandal, a native of West Bengal who worked at a construction site in Nolambur's Gajalakshmi Nagar and lived in the area. Police said four local youths approached him around 10:15 pm on Saturday and asked him for a cigarette.
Refusal sparks the attack
Mandal turned down their request, leading to a heated exchange between him and the group. Police said the four accused then picked up a wooden stick lying nearby and began attacking him. During the assault, they also grabbed a bicycle parked close by and hurled it at him, continuing the brutal beating even afterward.
Severe injuries, death at hospital
The attack left Mandal with deep injuries to his head and other parts of his body. Bystanders rushed him to the government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where doctors began treatment, but his condition did not improve and he died on Sunday morning.
Four accused taken into custody
Nolambur police registered a murder case and launched an investigation soon after the incident came to light. Following the probe, all four accused were taken into custody and arrested. Police said the first accused has been identified as V. Vasigaran, aged 18. The second accused, R. Ajay, is also 18, while the third, S. Gokul Raj, is also stated to be 18. The fourth accused is R. Sabari.
Accused were intoxicated, police say
Initial questioning revealed that all four were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack. Police said the assault followed the minor dispute over the cigarette, and the accused are being interrogated separately to establish the full sequence of events. Officers said they are working to build a strong case to ensure the strictest possible punishment for the accused in court.
