Bulandshahr (UP) (PTI): Three persons were shot dead after a dispute broke at a gym in Khurja Nagar area of Bulandshahr district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday night and the deceased have been identified as Amardeep (30), Manish (28) and Akash (18), officials said, adding two of the accused have been arrested while a hunt is on for the others.

Preliminary investigation has found that the dispute at the gym stemmed from an argument that broke out during a birthday party among acquaintances.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Meerut Range, Kalanidhi Naithani said, "Based on complaints and preliminary accounts, a quarrel had taken place among some youths at a gym. Police teams have reached the spot and are conducting checks in the vicinity".

Police have formed six teams to trace the accused and have so far arrested two persons, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects, officials said.

The identities of the arrested accused have not been revealed by the police yet. Officials said some other individuals have also been detained for questioning and strict action has been ordered against all those involved.