The deceased was identified as Haider Ali (35) from Bihar’s Sitamari district. Fellow worker Samir Ullah, also from Sitamari, allegedly murdered him using a blunt weapon, most probably a wooden plank. The establishment they worked in falls in Kundan Nagar and is owned by one Phool Mohammed.

SP City I Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill said Ullah used to drink regularly, which irked Ali and often resulted in arguments between the two. Gill said the preliminary investigation had revealed that on the night of the incident too heated arguments had occurred between the two and in a fit of anger, Ullah had hit Ali in the head. When he realised that Ali was dead, Ullah absconded, said Gill.

The murder came to light this morning when another worker reached the spot and saw Ali lying dead on the floor with blood flowing from his head.