A 58-year-old man was beaten to death in the New Jalpaiguri area of Siliguri on Friday late evening.

According to police, some people, including Mohammad Jahuri, were playing cards at Rajaholi in ward 35 of Siliguri. During the game, a dispute cropped up and local youth Mohammad Samsad allegedly assaulted Jahuri.

Jahuri collapsed on the ground. He was rushed to the Siliguri district hospital where he died.

The police have arrested Samsad. Searches are on for others who were purportedly present at the spot.

Mohammad Salim, the deceased person's son, however, claimed that a group of criminals had tried to extort money from his father.

“When my father refused to pay, they beat him up, which led to his death. We want exemplary punishment of all those involved in the murder of my father,” the son said.

Joydip Nandi, a vice-president of Darjeeling (plains) district committee of the Trinamool Congress, met Jahuri's family members.

“We have requested senior police officers to keep strict vigil in the locality and stop anti-social activities,” said Nandi.