A trader was gunned down by one of his neighbours at a village in North Dinajpur district on Sunday late evening after an altercation over the possession of a government plot.

Police have arrested the accused. Searches are on to nab his associates.

Sources said Lalua Sheikh, 55, a shop owner residing in Bhulkai, a village under Bahin panchayat area of Raiganj police station, was sitting in his shop. Suddenly, two people reached there on a motorcycle.

They took out firearms and shot Lalua. As he collapsed at the spot, the duo fled.

Hearing the gunshots, Lalua’s wife reached the spot. She raised an alert, prompting neighbours to come out for help. They took Lalua to Raiganj Government Medical College & Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

The deceased’s family members said Suleman Haque, a villager, had killed Lalua.

Raiganj police started a probe and later at night, Suleman was arrested.