Rourkela: An octogenarian man, unable to bear constant mistreatment at the hands of his son, axed his son to death.

Pratap Badhei died in hospital on Sunday night after fighting for his life for two days. Police have arrested his father, Ram, following a complaint by the deceased's nephew.

Ram, 82, lived with his two sons at Ranibagicha in Sundargarh Town police limits after his wife died a few years ago. Pratap, 43, was his youngest son. He was unmarried and did odd jobs.

Sources said Ram and Pratap had regular fights. He would often beat up his father in an inebriated state. Besides, he would also take away whatever money Ram earned by doing the odd job.

The sources also said an altercation broke out between the two last Friday night. Pratap had also assaulted Ram. When he threatened his father with dire consequences if he did not give him the money, Ram hit his son with an axe. He landed three blows on Pratap, including two on his neck.

Family members admitted Pratap to Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital and, later, to VSS Institute of Medical Science and Research, Burla where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night. The hospital authorities first lodged a complaint with Burla police, who informed Sundargarh Town police. Pratap's nephew, Sachin, lodged a complaint with Sundargarh Town police on Sunday evening and the cops arrested Ram.

Sundargarh Town police station inspector-in-charge Harmohan Nayak said: "They used to have regular altercations. He has confessed to his crime and also produced the weapon that he used."