Dispute between neighbours: Dalit youth beaten to death by father and son

KUNNIKODE: A Dalit youth was beaten to death by his neighbour and son following a dispute. The deceased has been identified as Kunnikode native Anil Kumar (35). He was beaten to death by his neighbour Salahuddin (60) and his son Damij (26). Salahuddin is a retired government official. Anil Kumar belongs to Scheduled Caste.

The incident took place around 2 am today. The issues started last Wednesday when Anil Kumar cut the branches of a teak tree near his house and some branches fell into Salahuddin's backyard. Both Anil Kumar and Salahuddin had complained to the police then following a dispute.

Later, Anil Kumar verbally abused Salahuddin and his wife Fatima and threatened to kill their son Damij. Salahuddin and Damij went to Anil Kumar's house at around two in the morning yesterday and attacked him as soon as he opened the door. They beat him on the head with an iron rod and a wooden stick. The accused fled the scene when Anil Kumar's mother Lakshmi came out after hearing the noise. Although Anil Kumar was rushed to the Taluk Hospital, Punalur, he could not be saved.

Anil Kumar was mentally challenged. He is accused in several cases. Police said that the accused have entered Tamil Nadu following the incident. Kottarakkara DySP GD Vijayakumar is in charge of the investigation.