Kolkata: Tension gripped after an elderly Muslim vegetable seller was beaten to death by Hindus in West Bengal state in India.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, in a tragic incident, a 75-year-old Muslim vegetable seller was beaten to death by Hindus following a dispute over a stall at the weekly market in the Samshi area of Malda district of the state.

The assailants, identified as Ruhal and Khelatu, along with three others, reportedly fled the scene, leaving the area tense. The deceased man was a resident of Debipur in the Ratwa police station area of Malda.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers landed a blow to the elderly vendor’s chest, which caused his death. “He fell to the ground and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead,” said a local eyewitness.

The tension has heightened in the Ratwa area, particularly around the Samshi market, where the incident occurred. Local residents express apprehension and concern over rising violence. “The atmosphere is tense. We are afraid to step out, as such incidents are becoming too common,” a local resident shared.

As of now, the West Bengal government has not announced any compensation for the deceased’s family. Local authorities are continuing their investigation, while tensions remain high within the community.