A 39-year-old labourer was allegedly bludgeoned and strangled to death by his co-worker inside a steel company’s office in Girgaum, Mumbai, in the early hours of Monday. The VP Road Police have launched a manhunt for the accused, who fled the scene soon after the crime.

The victim has been identified as Ramesh Hajaji Chaudhary, a native of Bhatram village in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The alleged assailant, 22-year-old Suraj Sanjay Mandal, worked with him at Sentek Coated Steels Pvt Ltd, located on the first floor of Building No. 13 at 7th Khetwadi Lane.

According to Mumbai Police, the duo lived and worked inside the office premises. Between 1 am and 1.30 am on Monday, an altercation reportedly broke out between them. The reason for the dispute is yet to be ascertained. During the argument, Mandal allegedly picked up a wooden stool and struck Chaudhary repeatedly before using a fire extinguisher to assault him further. Officers said Chaudhary was also strangled, leading to his death.

When other workers entered the premises later, Mandal was missing. Police suspect he escaped immediately after the murder.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder. Police teams are scanning CCTV footage and conducting technical analysis to trace the absconding accused.

The VP Road Police said further inquiries are underway and statements of Chaudhary’s co-workers and company staff are being recorded.

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