Man murdered by friend  during drunken brawl

Police identified the deceased as Manikandan and the suspect was named Murugesan, police said, adding that both hailed from Thoothukudi. 

Police said both the victim and the suspect worked in a scrap dealer shop in the area and were staying together in a room nearby. There were frequent quarrels between the two, as Murugesan believed that the Manikandan had been giving false information about him to their employer.

During a drinking a session on Sunday night, a fight broke out between the duo and in a fit of rage, Murugesan hit Manikandan with a club. Though Manikandan was taken to the hospital nearby, the doctors there could not save him. After he was declared dead, police were informed about the incident.  

Anthony, the owner of the shop where the deceased and suspect were employed, filed a police complaint and Murugesan was arrested. 

Police said Manikandan’s family has been informed about his death. Once his family members reach Chennai, body would be handed over to them after post mortem examination.