New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS): A-23-year-old declared criminal was murdered by his five friends after a fight broke out over payment for liquor in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar-II area, the police said on Wednesday. The body of the man was found lying in a pool of blood.

The incident was reported on Tuesday and the deceased has been identified as Akif, a resident of Nehru Nagar.

The victim was a declared criminal at the Lajpat Nagar police station and at least 20 cases of robbery and snatching were registered against him.

The incident was reported to Delhi Police by a passerby at around 6 pm on Tuesday. A PCR rushed to the spot and the injured man was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.

A spade used as weapon in the offence with blood stains was also seized from the spot.

"The police have arrested five persons in connection with the case. They have been identified as Rakesh (24), Rahul (22), Shyam (24), Mukesh (24) and Mahesh (22), all residents of Adiwasi Camp, Nehru Nagar," said DCP South-East, RP Meena.

During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they all were playing rummy near a park when Akif asked them to give Rs 100 each for his liquor and started quarrelling with them and even slapped Rakesh.

"They all followed him and had a quarrel with him in the park. Initially Akif tried to attack them with a spade. Later, Rakesh, Rahul and others overpowered him and Rahul and Rakesh attacked him with the spade," the officer added.