BARIPADA: Thakurmunda police in Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday recovered a half-burnt body of an elderly tribal man who was allegedly beaten to death over a drunken brawl at the weekly market in Kendujiani village.

The deceased was identified as 60-year-old Bhadra Mohanta of Jodbil village. Police have detained six persons in this connection and are interrogating them.

Sources said on Sunday evening, Mohanta went to a place near the weekly market to drink country liquor. After getting drunk, he had a quarrel with another group of boozers present at the spot. The situation turned ugly as the group brutally assaulted Mohanta, killing him on the spot.