In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves across the city, a long-standing dispute over the shortage of LPG cylinders escalated into a brutal murder. On Thursday, a man allegedly killed his cousin by smashing his head with an empty gas cylinder following a heated argument over cooking and refill booking. The deceased, identified as 28-year-old Suraj Mondal, succumbed to severe head injuries, while the accused cousin, Samir Sheikh, has been taken into police custody.

According to local reports and police sources, the household had been reeling under a severe fuel crisis for the past several days due to the ongoing LPG supply shortage. Tensions were already high as the family struggled to arrange meals. The argument reportedly broke out on Thursday morning over who would pay for the next cylinder booking and the frustration of waiting in long queues. As the verbal spat intensified, Samir lost his temper, picked up a heavy empty LPG cylinder, and struck it repeatedly against Suraj’s head. The impact was so severe that the victim’s skull was crushed instantly.

Hearing the commotion, neighbors rushed to the spot and found Suraj lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Residents apprehended Samir while he was attempting to flee and handed him over to the authorities. Friends and neighbors stated that the persistent stress of rising fuel prices and the unavailability of essentials had pushed the family to a breaking point. The police have registered a case of murder and have sent the body for an autopsy. This tragic incident highlights the growing psychological toll that resource shortages and economic strain are having on common citizens.