CHENNAI: Two employees of a private interior design company were arrested on Friday for assaulting a couple in Villivakkam, following a dispute over delays in completing their new flat’s interior work.

The incident originated when Babu (37) and his wife Deepika, residents of South Jagannathan Nagar, purchased a new flat in the same area. The couple had hired Vimal and Shyam Kumar for the interior work, which had been consistently delayed for the past month.

Frustrated, Babu called Vimal on October 16 and confronted him about the delays before disconnecting the call. Later that night, Vimal called him back and asked him to visit the flat the next day to see the newly arrived materials.

When Babu and Deepika went to the flat on October 17, an argument ensued. They accused Vimal and Shyam of using abusive language and assaulting them. They are accused of hitting Deepika with an iron rod and then striking Babu on the head with the same weapon, while also issuing death threats before fleeing the scene.

Babu, who suffered a head injury, is being treated at a private hospital. Deepika filed a formal complaint at the Villivakkam police station. Based on her complaint, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation.

A special team led by an Inspector arrested Vimal (30) from Nemilichery near Thirunindraur in Tiruvallur and Shyam Kumar (25) from Nathammedu, Tiruvallur, on the same day. After interrogation, they were produced before a court on Friday, and remanded to judicial custody.