New Delhi, Dec (IANS) A 36-year-old man who allegedly shot dead a young software professional after the latter accidentally knocked off a plate of

chicken tikka was arrested Tuesday, police said.

Surya Prakash, already involved in 12 criminal cases, was caught from Khera Khurd village in Rohini in north Delhi. His accomplice, Parveen Beniwal, is on the run.

‘Prakash broke down and confessed he murdered (Himanshu) Batra,’ Deputy Commissioner of Police Chhaya Sharma said.

The dramatic shooting took place Sunday night when Batra and three friends went to the Sector 17 DDA market of Rohini for food.

As Batra opened the door of his car, it hit Prakash who was coming by, and he dropped a plate of chicken tikka he was holding.

This sparked an ugly brawl which ended when Prakash whipped out a pistol and fired at a stunned Batra from close range. The victim was shot in the stomach and chest, and died instantly.

Prakash escaped but left behind his vehicle, which helped police to track him down.

Police seized a Maruti car, a pistol with two live cartridges and a spare magazine with three live cartridges from Prakash, police said.