An 82-year-old man was killed while trying to rescue his son, a suspected drug peddler, from being attacked by a group of people at Bongaon in North 24-Parganas late on Sunday night.

Locals said Raju Sikdar, a suspected drug peddler, had allegedly taken money from several persons for supply of the narcotics but had not been able to deliver.

Sources said late on Sunday night, a group of people attacked Raju at his home demanding refund. “His father Jiten Sikdar and mother Shefali, 75, tried to stop them but the attackers allegedly thrashed the elderly couple with sticks and hit their heads with wooden pieces,” said a source.

Neighbours rescued the trio and took them to Bongaon state general hospital where Jiten succumbed to injuries. Shefali has suffered multiple injuries and is in a critical state. Police have started a murder case following a complaint lodged by Raju and detained two persons.

Jiten’s daughter Sadhana Biswas said: “The attackers summoned my brother and started beating him up. They also hit my parents as they tried to rescue my brother.”

A police officer said: “It is not quite clear what actually led to the attack. We are looking into all aspects.”