A 60-year-old farmer was allegedly beaten to death by his son and several relatives over a dispute involving proceeds from the sale of agricultural land in Rajasthan's Barmer district.
The incident took place on Wednesday night in Siyolon Ki Dhani of Shobhala Jetmal village under the Sadar police station limits. The victim, Rawata Ram, 60, sustained severe injuries after being attacked with sticks and other blunt objects. He was admitted to the Government Hospital in Barmer, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning during treatment.
According to police and family members, the dispute centered around money received from the sale of land owned by the deceased. The accused, identified as the victim's second son Rekharam, had allegedly been demanding a share of the sale proceeds.
On Wednesday night, Rekharam reportedly arrived at his father's house along with his father-in-law, brother-in-law, and several others. An argument over the money soon escalated into violence, during which the group allegedly assaulted Rawata Ram with sticks, hockey sticks, and a cricket bat.
The victim's brother, Kistura Ram, said Rawata Ram had three sons. Rekharam had been living separately from the family, and disputes over money had been ongoing for some time. He alleged that Rekharam, accompanied by six to seven people, carried out the fatal assault.
Following the incident, the injured farmer was rushed to Barmer District Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on Thursday morning. The death triggered protests by relatives and villagers outside the hospital's ICU and mortuary, with demonstrators demanding the immediate arrest of all those involved.
The victim's elder son accused his younger brother and his in-laws of murdering their father and sought strict legal action.
Sadar Police Station SHO Kartar Singh said a case has been registered on the complaint of the deceased's brother against the son, his brother-in-law, father-in-law, and other accused. Police have detained two to three suspects for questioning, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
Police said the case appears to be linked to a land dispute, and investigators are examining all aspects of the incident while collecting evidence from the crime scene. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
