Ludhiana, Jan. 22 -- A 20-year-old criminal, wanted by police in an attempt-to-murder case since October last year, was shot dead by an acquaintance after a heated argument at a public park in Jamalpur on Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Pardeep Kumar, alias Billa, a resident of Ram Nagar, Jamalpur, who had at least seven FIRs registered against him and was wanted by police.

According to preliminary information, Billa reached the park around 3.30 pm along with a few acquaintances. During their conversation, a heated exchange broke out between them.

In the heat of the argument, one of the youths pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot at close range. The bullet pierced through Billa's head, killing him on th...