On Tuesday, five individuals were taken into custody for fatally stabbing a construction laborer during an altercation over the repayment of Rs 150 in Salem district.

Police reports reveal that Kamalakannan, 33, from Pethanaickenpalayam village, had borrowed Rs 150 from Subramani, a 22-year-old construction worker from the same area. When Kamalakannan failed to return the amount, repeated arguments erupted between the two.

The conflict escalated when Kamalakannan, aided by four associates — Alex Pandian (25), Arun Pandian (24), Karthick (27), and Periasamy (25) — forcibly restrained Subramani by tying his hands and feet.

Following this, they assaulted him brutally and stabbed him in the abdomen with a knife.

Subramani, severely injured and bleeding heavily, lost consciousness. Concerned villagers immediately took him to the government hospital in Pethanaickenpalayam, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries en route.

The police have registered a case and continue investigations into the brutal incident.