A 45‑year‑old lorry cleaner, hauling goods at Autonagar’s yard, was struck by a stone and died on the spot after a quarrel over a missing phone erupted at 9:30 p.m. on Monday.
The victim had just reported his phone missing to the lorry driver, demanding the accused hand it over. The accused, who has a prior record of petty theft, allegedly lunged with a stone, hitting the cleaner’s head.
Patamata Police Station said the accused was taken into custody within minutes of the incident. The station said the accused is being questioned and a post‑mortem will confirm the cause of death.
Witnesses at the scene, including a 60‑year‑old resident named Ramesh, recounted hearing a scream and seeing the stone strike the cleaner.
The police have registered a case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and will file charges against the accused before the next court session on Thursday.