Mangaluru: New Year celebration turned tragic for a youth hailing Davangere as he was brutally murdered by his own friend in a room in Kuthar junction on December 31.

Rudravani Santhosh (25) was allegedly murdered by his friend Pradeep from Shikaripura.

Both Santhosh and Pradeep worked in a saloon in Kuthar and soon the two became friends. On New Year eve, the two decided to party together and hence went to their room and brought liquor to rejoice.

The tiff began between the two when Santhosh was engaged in a conversation with a lady. In an ensuing argument, Santhosh hurled abuses at Pradeep’s mother and fit of rage the latter grabbed a knife from the kitchen and allegedly stabbed Santhosh on the chest.

When Santhosh cried for help, saloon owner Ramesh is said to have rushed for help. Santhosh was taken to a hospital in Deralakatte, but he did not respond to treatment.

Within no time, Pradeep surrendered before the police. Santhosh’s family in Davangere was out for some happy days as his younger sister was supposed to get married on February 15 and Santhosh himself was supposed to get married in March.