A 52-year-old man was bludgeoned to death by his son’s friend, aged 17, near Singanallur in Coimbatore late on Thursday (July 30, 2026). The deceased was identified as Manikandan, a painter from Neelikonampalayam. The police said that the minor boy, also from the same locality, used to contact Manikandan’s 18-year-old son over the phone. Manikandan confronted the boy around 9.30 p.m. on Thursday and questioned him about why he was frequently calling his son.This led to an argument between Manikandan and the boy. In the ensuing quarrel, the boy grabbed a brick from the ground and struck Manikandan on his head. A seriously injured Manikandan was rushed to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, where a doctor declared him dead on arrival.The Singanallur police registered a case against the minor boy, who had been doing odd jobs. The police arrested the boy on Friday and produced him before the Juvenile Justice Board. He was lodged in the observation home for juveniles at Papanaickenpalayam. A police officer said that the minor boy was involved in two other cases. Published - July 31, 2026 07:38 pm IST