PALAKKAD: A man was hacked to death by his friend in a verbal argument that happened during drinking. Ramadas (48), a native of Kadampazhipuram in Ambalappara, Palakkad, died. Police said he was hacked to death by his friend Shanmugan (49), a native of Vengassery Kannamangalam.

The incident took place at Shanmugan's house in Kannamangalam. Ramadas, who was seriously injured, was admitted to the Ottapalam Taluk Hospital and later to a private hospital, but died. Police said that a drunken argument led to the murder. Shanmugan was taken into custody by the Ottapalam police.