MANNARKKAD: An elderly Adivasi man was stoned to death in a dispute between relatives over allotment of land. The deceased has been identified as Nagan, 60, of Parappanthara. Vellingigi, Nagan's wife Badari's brother (46), hurled stone. The incident took place at around 1 pm yesterday.

There was a dispute between Vellingiri and his elder sisters Maruthi, Badari and Susheela over the allotment of three acres of land owned by their father. The sisters were later given 60 cents of land each following the intervention of the authorities and village chief. But Vellingiri tried to stop them cultivating in this land.

The clash erupted during a discussion on cultivation since yesterday morning following the intervention of village chief. When Palaniswami, the son of Badari and Nagan, and others started arguing with Vellingiri, the enraged Vellingiri threw stones. The stone hit Nagan on the head. Unconscious Nagan was rushed to the hospital but could not be rescued. The body is being kept at Agali Government Hospital.

Vellingiri, who was injured in the clash, was arrested but is being treated at a hospital.