Bokaro, Feb. 25: A policeman and his friend allegedly killed his neighbour last night by battering his head with a stone when the latter protested against some objectionable Holi songs that the duo were playing.

The incident occurred at Sector III of Bokaro steel city around 10.30pm. The victim, Rudravansh Singh, 41, was a senior official at a multinational insurance company.

Jharkhand Armed Police’s Manoj Kumar, who is posted at Tatisilwai (Ranchi), was arrested from Sector 1 this morning while he was trying to escape to Ranchi. The other accused, Dhananajay Singh, who works at Bokaro steel plant, is absconding.

According to a case filed by Rajvansh Singh, the victim’s brother, at the city police station, Rudravansh and Manoj used to stay in the same building at Sector III-A. Last night, Rudravansh was parking his motorcycle after returning home when he heard loud Holi songs being played by Manoj.

Rudravansh took up the matter with Manoj and pleaded him not to play such songs, as a number of women neighbours found them objectionable. Taking umbrage, Manoj and Dhananjay picked up sticks and rods and started beating up Rudravansh. They found a stone and smashed the victim’s head with it.

A profusely bleeding and motionless Rudravansh was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead.

Manoj and Dhanjay fled as local residents gathered in front of the house.