Tasmac quarrel turns fatal; man held for murder in Trichy

Trichy: A 30-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted after a quarrel at a Tasmac outlet has died of his injuries, with police arresting a 54-year-old man on murder charges.The deceased, S Sebastian of Peruvalapur near Kallakudi, had gone to a Tasmac shop in his locality on April 19. Police said he got into an argument with A Henry Das, who was drinking with friends, after questioning why he was being laughed at. The altercation subsided and both left. Later that night, Sebastian went to Henry Das's house, where the argument resumed. In a fit of rage, Henry Das allegedly struck him on the head with a wooden shuttering plank, causing severe injuries. Neighbours rushed Sebastian to the Trichy Government Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He succumbed to his injuries on April 22. Following his death, Kanakiliyanallur police altered the case to murder and arrested Henry Das. Tension prevailed at the hospital on Friday night as Sebastian's relatives initially refused to accept the body, demanding that the case be treated as murder. Police later held talks with the family and assured action, after which the protest was withdrawn.