Malda, 14 July (H.S.): A 32-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death, while his younger brother sustained critical injuries in an attack reportedly linked to a dispute over the illegal brown sugar trade in West Bengal's Malda district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place at Jaluabathal village under Kaliachak police station on Tuesday morning.

The deceased was identified as Ashraful Sheikh (32). His younger brother, Sadikul Sheikh, suffered serious injuries and was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where his condition is stated to be critical.

According to the family, a neighbour, Pilu Sheikh, called the two brothers out of their house at around 7 a.m. and allegedly attacked them repeatedly with a sharp-edged weapon.

Ashraful died on the spot, while Sadikul was rescued by locals and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The victim's father, Rakib Sheikh, alleged that the accused was involved in the illegal brown sugar trade in the area and that the attack stemmed from a dispute related to the narcotics business.

A large police team from Kaliachak police station reached the spot after being informed and launched an investigation.

The police said the accused is absconding, and raids are underway to arrest him. A case has been registered, and investigators are probing all angles of the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey