Vijayawada: A 26-year-old youth died following an assault linked to a dispute over abusive conversations over phone calls. The incident occurred in Gandhinagar 3rd line, LR Colony, where Pentya Manikantha (26) was attacked by his former acquaintance Yashwanth and his friends.According to police, Manikantha and Yashwanth, who once lived in the same colony, had a quarrel about a year ago. On Monday night, the two got into an argument again, exchanging abusive words over phone calls. Both were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and the verbal abuse extended to their parents, which triggered the confrontation.In a fit of rage, Yashwanth, accompanied by a few youths, went to Manikantha’s house and attacked him with sticks outside his residence. Manikantha sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the government hospital, where doctors treated him and later declared his condition to be stable. He was discharged and brought home on Tuesday morning.However, shortly after returning home around 7 am, Manikantha suddenly collapsed. Family members discovered that he had died, following which his father, Hanumantha Rao, lodged a complaint at Lalapet police station.Lalapet circle inspector Siva Prasad registered a case, and stated that the attack appeared to have been triggered by old disputes and alcohol consumption. He added that further investigation is underway, and action will be taken against those involved.
