Bhopal/Barwani, April 20 : In a gruesome criminal act, a man shot his father dead at close range in Pichhodi village of Barwani district in Madhya Pradesh following a heated dispute over money.

Police officials confirmed that the accused, 32-year-old Chandan Badole, had been persistently demanding a sum of Rs 200,000 or more from his father, Jagan Badole, aged 58.

Speaking to IANS, sub-divisional officer (police) Mahesh Sunaiya said, Jagan had previously given his son Rs 200,000 but refused to provide more, leading to escalating tensions between the two. Chandan, who once worked as a welder, had been pressuring his father for additional funds in recent days.

On Monday at around 11 a.m., as Jagan was returning home with his wife, Gauri Bai, an Anganwadi worker, Chandan intercepted them on the road. After a heated verbal exchange, he allegedly pulled out the weapon, probably a country-made pistol and fired a shot near his fatherâ??s ear, killing him instantly.

Gauri Bai, who witnessed the incident, immediately informed the police and narrated the sequence of events. Chandan fled the scene after committing the crime, and police have since launched a manhunt to apprehend him.

Investigators revealed that Chandan had posted a â??reelâ?? on social media or some microblogging platform prior to the incident, claiming that his father owned sufficient land but was depriving him of money.

Authorities are examining the social media post as part of the ongoing investigation.

Initial investigation also revealed that Jagan had previously given the accused son the same amount by mortgaging a parcel of land, the officer further said.

Family sources disclosed that Chandanâ??s aggressive behaviour had already strained his personal life. His wife had left him, and he has a younger brother who remains uninvolved in the dispute.

Meanwhile, police officials emphasised that the crime highlights the growing concerns over domestic disputes turning violent.

The case has sparked outrage in the local community, where residents expressed shock at the brutal killing over financial disagreements.

The police have sent the dead boy for a post-mortem and are continuing their search for Chandan and have assured that all angles, including his social media activity and past behaviour, will be thoroughly investigated.

/IANS