UDHAGAMANDALAM: A quarrel over social distancing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic claimed the life of a man in

Ooty

on Tuesday.

R Jothimani, 40, a daily wager and resident of Ooty, was stabbed to death by N Devadass, 43, in a small eatery adjacent to the B1

station near the municipal market in the

. The accused has been arrested.

was having lunch when Devadass, a native of

employed in a bakery, walked in for a cup of tea at1.15pm. Police said a quarrel ensued when Jothimani asked

to keep a distance. As Devadass refused to oblige, Jothimani slapped him. In a fit of rage, Devadass picked up a knife from the eatery and stabbed Jothimani on the neck. Jothimani died when he was being rushed to the Ooty government hospital.

After autopsy, the body was handed over to Jothimani’s family. A case has been registered against Devadass under Section 302 of the IPC. “After inquiry, Devadass will be remanded in judicial custody,” said police.