A 35-year-old man was lynched at a village here on Friday night after he allegedly stabbed another villager for accusing him of cellphone theft.

According to sources, Asgar Sheikh, a resident of Kamlabari village, had an argument with Ismail Sheikh after Asgar’s family members told him that Ismail had stolen his cellphone.

During the altercation, Ismail stabbed Asgar in the abdomen and fled. Asgar was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital.

Later at night, as Ismail sneaked into the village, some relatives of Asgar beat him with sticks and bricks. He was declared dead on arrival at the MMCH. Ismail’s family has lodged a police complaint against 10 persons.

The police said a probe had been started.