Alipurduar, May 11: A 40-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his sister-in-law and her husband following a dispute over a joke at a tea estate in Alipurduar district.

The incident took place at the Bundapani Tea Estate under the Madarihat block area on Saturday night, triggering shock among residents.

The deceased was identified as Bimal Mahali, a resident of the Nepali Lines area within the tea estate labour quarters.

According to police, the prime accused, Biman Munda, is related to the deceased through marriage, as both had married two sisters. The families reportedly lived close to each other inside the estate quarters.

Family members and locals said Bimal frequently engaged in light-hearted banter with his sister-in-law, Komal Nag Munda. However, a similar remark allegedly sparked a violent confrontation on Saturday evening.

According to allegations, Biman Munda tied Bimal up before brutally assaulting him with bamboo sticks and an iron rod. Police said Komal Nag Munda also allegedly joined the assault.

As the attack intensified, locals alerted the Birpara Police.

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Police personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the critically injured Bimal Mahali to a hospital, located around 15 kilometres away, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Following a complaint filed by the victim’s son, Pawan Mahali, police arrested both accused persons.

Police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact nature of the remarks that allegedly triggered the fatal assault.