Lucknow, Aug 19 (IANS): An Uttar Pradesh Police constable was critically injured when he was shot by a colleague following a spat in Bastipur district on late Thursday night, officials said on Friday.

Officials said the incident took place at Hanumanganj police station, where both constables -- Kameshwar and Hari Kishore Tiwari -- are posted. 

Another constable Rakesh sustained bullet injury while trying to calm tempers. 

Kameshwar, who shot his colleagues, has been arrested. Critically injured Tiwari had to be rushed to the Lucknow Trauma centre for treatment. 

The incident occured after both Kameshwar and Tiwari drank liquor at the police station and headed for food at a roadside eatery where they had a bitter quarrel, resulting in the shooting.

Kameshwar shot Tiwari and when Rakesh tried to pacify them, he shot him also. Rakesh sustained a gunshot injury in his arm.

Senior police officials, who rushed to the crime scene, had to overpower Kameshwar to arrest him. Tiwari admitted tp the trauma centre in Lucknow continues to be critical, officials said.