India, Dec. 4 -- A 30-year-old man was shot dead at point-blank range after an argument with three of his friends near Hadiabad locality of Phagwara, police said on Thursday.

Victim Avinash Kumar died on the spot after being shot at around 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Superintendent of police Madhvi Sharma said Avinash, who played the dhol for a living, had an argument with his friends, including Jaspreet Singh. Jaspreet was carrying an illegal weapon and shot Avinash from close range.

"The bullet pierced through his neck," the SP said, adding that the three accused fled in a car towards Nakodar after committing the crime.

The victim's brother, Karan, rushed him to the local civil hospital, where he was declared dead.

"We have identified al...