BJP’s panchayat unit president Sukhendu Das was shot dead by a group of unidentified people Tuesday night while he was on his way home after attending a party meeting at the Cachar district of Assam.

Sukhendu Das (43) and his friend Rinku Senapati (38), who is also a party worker, were coming out of the party meeting held at Japirbond when the unidentified assailants started firing at the two men at around 8.45 pm. The local residents, who initially thought the sound was caused by a tire burst, rushed to the spot to find them bleeding profusely. Das and Senapati were immediately rushed to the Silchar hospital, where Das succumbed to his injuries at 11.30 pm. Senapati, who has been receiving treatment, is reportedly out of danger.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbhananda Sonowal condemned the attack and has demanded fast action against those responsible for the murder, while the police have formed a five-member special investigation team to probe into the case.