A brutal murder over a trivial money dispute has shocked Medak district in Telangana. In a horrifying incident reported from Ananthasagar village in Chegunta mandal, a migrant labourer allegedly killed his close friend over a pending amount of just ₹22. The crime, which occurred during Sankranti festivities, has left the local community stunned and raised concerns over alcohol-fuelled violence.
According to police officials, both the victim and the accused worked as daily wage labourers in the village. Mohammed Siraj, the victim, and Mahesh Kumar Verma, the accused, hailed from Uttar Pradesh and had migrated to Medak district in search of livelihood. They lived together and shared a close friendship, often working side by side at construction sites and farms in the area.
On the night of the incident, the two men reportedly consumed alcohol together to mark the festival. During their conversation, Mahesh brought up a long-pending amount of ₹22 that Siraj allegedly owed him. What began as a minor verbal exchange soon escalated into a heated argument. Under the influence of alcohol, Mahesh lost control and turned violent.
In a fit of rage, Mahesh attacked Siraj, forcefully smashing his head against a nearby tree. He then picked up a heavy stone lying at the spot and struck Siraj repeatedly on the head. As a result, Siraj suffered severe head injuries and collapsed on the ground. Locals later found him dead at the scene, sending shockwaves through the village.
Villagers expressed disbelief over the incident, stating that the two men had always appeared inseparable. Many said it was hard to comprehend how a small monetary dispute could lead to such a brutal act. Meanwhile, residents alerted the police soon after discovering the body.
Police personnel from Chegunta police station rushed to the spot and began an investigation. Soon after the incident, Mahesh Kumar Verma voluntarily approached the police and confessed to the crime. Officers took him into custody and registered a murder case. They shifted the victim’s body to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Police officials stated that alcohol played a major role in the crime and warned against the growing number of violent incidents linked to intoxication. The tragic episode has plunged both families into deep grief, as one man lost his life while another now faces a long legal battle behind bars over a mere ₹22.
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