In a shocking incident, a 29-year-old labourer allegedly murdered his nephew over a mobile phone dispute in Batlahalli village, Chintamani taluk, Chikkaballapura district. The deceased, Sunil, suffered critical head injuries in the attack and died two days later at NIMHANS in Bengaluru.

According to police reports, the incident took place on Sunday, June 8. Sunil and the accused, Ramesh, both daily wage labourers, lived together in a joint family. Trouble began when Sunil reportedly borrowed Ramesh’s phone but refused to return it. A heated argument followed on Sunday night.

Later that night, while Sunil was asleep, Ramesh allegedly returned with a boulder, bludgeoned his nephew’s head, and fled the scene. Sunil was rushed to a local hospital and then referred to NIMHANS, where he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, June 10.

Police have registered a case of murder and launched a manhunt for Ramesh, who is currently absconding.