Sundargarh, July 24 (UDN): A domestic dispute turned fatal in Odisha’s Sundargarh district after a 35-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death by his elder brother at Nuadihi village under the Hemgir police station limits on Friday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Kelal Patel (35), while the accused, Bedlal Patel (40), has been arrested by the police.

According to preliminary investigation, the altercation began at the family residence after Bedlal allegedly accused his younger brother of taking away construction materials from the house to sell them for purchasing liquor.

The verbal exchange soon escalated into a physical fight between the two brothers. Family members told police that Kelal allegedly assaulted his elder brother during the scuffle.

Police said Bedlal then allegedly picked up a nearby axe and attacked Kelal in retaliation. The younger brother sustained grievous injuries and died on the spot before he could receive medical assistance.

On receiving information, a team from Hemgir Police rushed to the village, detained the accused and secured the crime scene. The body was shifted to the mortuary of the Hemgir Community Health Centre, where it has been kept pending post-mortem examination.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events and circumstances leading to the fatal assault.

Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the post-mortem report.