THODUPUZHA: An ex-soldier was hacked to death by his neighbour at Thannipara in Idukki. He was murdered with an axe. The dead has been identified as Ramabhadran (71) of Thannipara. His neighbour George Kutty (63) has been taken into custody.

The incident happened Saturday night at 8.30 pm at accused George’s house. A verbal dispute broke out between the two while consuming liquor and this ended in the murder. The two were staying alone.

The police said a verbal dispute broke out between the two and in a fit of rage, George hacked him on his head and then stamped him. George too sustained injuries in the scuffle. The incident came to light when he sought the help of his brother to go to the hospital