Mohammad Sarfukdin (35), a shop owner dealing in iron grills, was shot dead early this morning at Karimdangal under Hirapur police station in Burnpur.
He was on his way to offer namaz at the local mosque when assailants opened fire. Sarfukdin, critically injured and bleeding profusely, was rushed to Asansol District Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
Ipsita Dutta, ACP (West) of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate, reached the site with a large police contingent soon after receiving information. An FIR has been lodged at Hirapur police station and investigations are underway. Police are scanning CCTV footage from the area to trace the culprits.
Local residents reported that two men arrived on a motorcycle and fired at Sarfukdin from a close range before fleeing. The bullet struck him in the face. Police recovered an empty cartridge and a pistol from the scene, which has been sent for forensic examination.
The body was handed over to the family after post-mortem. As of the time of reporting, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder.