A Human Rights Party (HRP) commune councillor was in police custody last night accused of killing a commune clerk assistant in Kampong Speu province.

Soth Chantha, 43, the second deputy commune chief in Oral district, has been charged over the death of civil servant Ly Mao, 36.

Chem Sarim, the district governor, said last night that Mao’s death, which occurred about 2pm near the district hall, was the result of an argument over family record documents.

“The victim died after several punches and two knees to the chest by the suspect,” Sarim said.

HRP spokesman Pol Ham said he had received news of Mao’s death and Chantha’s arrest  from a party member.

“We regret what has happened,” Ham said.

Yun Yoeun, HRP president for Kampong Speu province, said the party would find a lawyer for Chantha.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kim Yuthana at [email protected]

With assistance from Cheang Sokha