The Verna police arrested Alex Coutinho, a friend of Lionel Lobo, who was found dead with multiple injuries at a construction site in Cortalim late Tuesday evening.
Lobo, a regular at the spot for drinking, was found with serious head injuries.
Superintendent of Police (SP) South Sunita Sawant revealed the murder was a result of a fight occurred about a week ago over a bottle of alcohol. Both - deceased and victim - were unemployed and took up odd jobs to sustain themselves.
"The deceased visited the spot regularly to consume alcohol and even slept there. A week back, both friends fought over an alcohol bottle as the deceased took the leftover alcohol. This angered the accused, who held a grudge," the SP said.
Coutinho allegedly in an inebriated condition attacked Lobo with a cement brick while the latter was asleep at the same spot, Sawant said.
The officer further stated that Coutinho attempted to mislead the police after the body was discovered by labourers. "The accused was present when the body was discovered by the labourers. He tried to misguide us as though he was also present when it was found. However, he has confessed to the crime" she said.
Evidence against Coutinho included bloodstains on his clothes and under his nails. The body has been preserved for a post-mortem examination. The Verna police have registered the case under Section 103 of the new criminal law.
