Thrissur: A 52-year-old man who had recently returned from the Gulf was allegedly beaten to death by his friend during a farewell gathering in Kerala’s Thrissur district.

The deceased has been identified as Raju, son of George, a native of Venginissery. He was working as an electrician in a company in Dubai. Police have arrested his friend and neighbour, Frinto (42), a native of Puthur, in connection with the incident.

According to police, Raju had returned from Dubai on April 4 and was preparing to go back when the incident happened. He also ran a small business making clocks using wooden frames, and the gathering was held in a shed behind his house, where he worked.

Five friends had attended the gathering on Wednesday night. After four of them left, an altercation broke out between Raju and Frinto in the early hours of Thursday. Police said the two, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, got into a verbal argument, which soon turned violent.

Frinto is accused of attacking Raju with a wooden plank and strangling him. Raju died on the spot.

Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing cries and informed the police. When officers arrived, the accused allegedly attempted to attack them but was subdued by a team led by Inspector KN Manoj and taken into custody.

Raju is survived by his wife Siji and daughters Heba and Helna.