A man convicted in a murder case and currently out on bail was beaten to death, while his friend sustained serious injuries after they were allegedly attacked by a group of assailants in Bawani Khera town of Haryana’s Bhiwani district.

The deceased has been identified as Baljit, while his friend Monu is undergoing treatment in hospital and remains in critical condition. Both Baljit and Monu were convicted in a murder case and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by a court in 2020. They had been released on bail around three months ago.

According to Rahul, the nephew of the deceased, his mother was admitted to a hospital and Baljit, accompanied by Monu, had gone there to inquire about her health. While returning home on Saturday night, the two were allegedly intercepted by a group of attackers who assaulted them with lathis and sharp-edged weapons.

Police sources said the attack appears to be linked to an old rivalry. The enmity dates back to a Holi-day dispute involving Baljit, Monu and a man identified as Pritam (35), during which a member of Pritam’s family was killed. Baljit and Monu were subsequently booked in the murder case, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Tosham DSP Dalip Singh said police received information about two men being injured in a violent clash, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries. Based on the statement of the deceased’s family members, police have registered a murder case against the accused.

The DSP said preliminary investigations indicate that the killing was the result of longstanding enmity. Further investigation is underway.