A 50-year-old man allegedly murdered his younger brother in front of their house at Periyamilaguparai here on Tuesday night. 

Police gave the name of the deceased as R. Krishnamurthy, 45, who was unmarried. The Sessions Court police have arrested the victim’s elder brother, R. Palanisamy, for the murder.

Police sources said a quarrel broke out between the brothers reportedly over rent collection. In a fit of rage, Palanisamy allegedly hit his younger brother on his head with a spade, killing him on the spot. The brothers were staying in a house adjoining each other.  A case of murder has been registered.