MEERUT: A person was beaten to death allegedly by his neighbour and his friends in Sastri Nagar area here over a minor argument that broke out between their families a few days ago, police said on Saturday.

Sajid (38) was attacked with iron rods allegedly by his neighbour Ballu and his friends late last night when he was returning home after closing his electronics shop in Shastri Nagar area here, superintendent of police (city) Om Prakash said.

Protesting Sajid's murder, his family members went on a rampage and burned the house of the accused and at least twelve motorbikes from the nearby bike service centre of the accused, the SP said.

On the basis of the complaint filed by victim's family members, police has registered a case against Ballu and his four friends and were trying to nab them, he said.

Last Saturday, Ballu had tied his goat outside Sajid's house, but victim's father released her and she ran away.Since then Ballu was having a grudge against them, police said.