Provoked by Mali’s comment, Nadakumar Khaire, a labourer at the Renaissance Hotel, had beaten him up and Mali died due to internal injuries, said the police.

On Sunday morning, when Mali reached near the Reniassance Hotel after his morning fishing session, he saw Khaire smoking pot (Marijuana) near gate two of the hotel and he commented on Khaire’s smoking habit. Khaire and Mali knew each other and they stayed in the same area.

“Mali commented on how Khaire’s habit of smoking pot drove away all the marriage proposals which had come for him. Enraged at Mali’s comment, Khaire punched on Mali’s stomach several times. Mali collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead while undergoing the treatment,” said Police Inspector Tatyasaheb Bansode of the Powai police station.

Mali’s wife Anita lodged a complaint with the Powai police who arrested Khaire on Sunday evening. Investigations by the police revealed that Mali’s health was already in a deteriorated state and Khaire’s blows accelerated the his death.