By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A petty brawl over drawing water from a community well led to the death of a middle-aged gentleman from the Holy Ground Area of Laitumkhrah. The incident occurred at around 7:30 am on Friday after Kanailal Saha (54) and Phani Deb (62) went to fetch water from the community well and had a brawl over some issue. Both were close friends.
“There was a quarrel over water and they had a fight which resulted in scratching and punching. Both of them had assault marks after the incident,” said a police officer from Laitumkhrah Police Station. However, after the brawl, Saha, who had suffered a stroke earlier, complained of uneasiness and had a fall, following which he was admitted in the ICU at Nazareth Hospital, where he passed away on Saturday morning.
Saha was a Teer (archery) seller while Deb is the owner of Meghalaya Pharmacy, Laitumkhrah. Saha, the only bread winner in the family, has left behind his wife and two minor sons.
Meanwhile, police source said that it was unclear whether Saha died because of the brawl or because of his illness.
“The post mortem report will bring out the clear picture on Sunday,” police said, adding, “The accused has been arrested and will be produced in the court tomorrow.”
There are allegations that the deceased’s wife wanted to file an FIR but there was an attempt by the accused to reach an understanding.
Police, however, said that even if there is no FIR, the investigation officer will file a suo-moto case to investigate into the incident. “This is a serious matter relating to the death of a person which needs proper investigation,” the police officer said.
Laitumkhrah legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh, provided an immediate relief of Rs 10,000 to the bereaved family while also announcing a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000.