PATNA - A law official was beaten to death Tuesday by his neighbours in Bihar’s Chapra town after a dispute over a leaky stove turned violent, police said. Five people have been arrested for the crime.

Harinder Prasad Sharma, who is an additional public prosecutor in Chapra district civil court, was beaten to death by his neighbours when he complained of smoke from a stove in their house. A heated exchange of words on the issue turned violent and led to Sharma’s death.

“My father was beaten to death by the neighbours when he protested against unbearable smoke from a stove in their house,” Sharma’s son said.

Police have arrested five people and begun investigations.