Rourkela: A man was beaten to death by a local meat trader over a trivial issue of non-payment of pending dues at Tilak Nagar area of the steel city in Sundergarh district, police said on Sunday.
The deceased identified as Padmalocan Purti is an employee of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
Police sources said Purti had purchased meat from the trader, Debasis Sahoo a few days ago. He had some pending dues to be paid to the trader.
Sahoo had visited Purti's house and asked for the pending money following which a quarrel ensued between the two. Irked over the incident, Debasis dragged Purti out of his house and beat him up black and blue after tying him into a pillar.
Despite suffering critical injuries, Purti remained under treatment at his home. However, he succumbed to the injuries today.
The family members lodged a complaint in this regard at a local police station.
"The incident took place the day before yesterday and we were aware of it. Today we received a complaint today that the victim has died. A team of police reached the spot and started investigation. A case has been registered in this regard and action will be taken as per law," said Asim Panda, DSP, Rourkela.
The accused is absconding. A man hunt has been launched to nab him, he added.