Gangtok, Jan 24: Four construction workers, including a minor, were arrested in Sikkim’s Gyalshing district for allegedly killing their contractor with a hammer over unpaid wages, police said Saturday.

The incident took place Friday evening in Dentam Tar. The victim, Rajiv Mandal (27) from Raiganj in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, worked as a contractor at a local construction site. The accused, all from West Bengal, were employed as masons and carpenters under him.

Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa said the workers were drinking and eating at their rented accommodation when a dispute over wages escalated into a fight. One of the accused struck Mandal with a hammer, resulting in his death.

The suspects attempted to flee in a hired vehicle but were intercepted at Legship following a tip-off. Police investigations are ongoing.