Thrissur: A 43-year-old man was seriously injured after being shot with an air gun during a dispute between friends at Velupadam in Varandarappilly, Thrissur, on Sunday.

The injured man has been identified as Arun (43), a native of Koottingal, Panjikkaranmoola, Varandarappilly. His friend, Priyan (37), of Chittilappilly House, Velupadam, is in police custody in connection with the incident.

The incident took place at Priyan's house in Velupadam around 2 pm on Sunday.

The dispute broke out while the two were drinking together. Arun asked Priyan to lend him his motorcycle, but Priyan refused. Following this, Arun allegedly hit Priyan on the head with an iron rod.

In retaliation, Priyan took an air gun from inside the house and shot Arun, leaving him seriously injured.