A 30-year-old construction worker was arrested by the Polur police in Tiruvannamalai on Sunday for allegedly killing an elderly woman who allegedly stopped providing free food to him.

Police said the arrested person was identified as R. Murthy, a daily wage labourer. The victim, B. Yasoda, 62, and Murthy belong to Ezhuvambadi village near Polur town in the district.

Initial inquiry revealed that Yasoda was living with her son, Venu, a mechanic, in the village after her husband died many years ago. Murthy was a neighbour who lived alone after his family abandoned him. Yasoda has been providing free food to Murthy for the past few years. Of late, Murthy was addicted to alcohol and often got into arguments with Venu, Yasoda’s son, over petty issues.

Police said Venu asked her mother not to provide food to Murthy anymore. Agitated Murthy quarrelled with Yasoda for not giving him food. In a fit of rage, Murthy allegedly stabbed her when she was returning home on Sunday.

Police said residents and neighbours raised the alarm and alerted the Polur police. A case was registered. Murthy was arrested and lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. Further probe is under way.