Purulia:
The manager of a private hotel in Purulia was shot dead allegedly by its owner early today, sparking protest by local people who set fire to the lodge, the police said.
Ashish Banerjee, owner of Pinaki Lodge, shot the manager, Partha Chatterjee, following an altercation over some unknown issues.
Partha was initially taken to Purulia district headquarter hospital, from where he was referred to Bokaro hospital, but he died on the way, the police said.
Partha's family members alleged that he was killed as he protested against various anti-social works having taken place in the hotel.
Angry locals set the lodge on fire and reduced it to ashes. Two fire tenders that went to fight the blaze could not do anything.
The owner fled after the incident.