An unidentified gunman shot dead an employee at Jaya Baba Brick Factory in Duhabi of Sunsari district on Wednesday. Mohammad Fida Hussain, 54, a resident of Duhabi Municipality-9, was shot from behind by two motorcycle-borne assailants while he was out on his morning walk.

Critically injured in the shooting, Hussain was rushed to Biratnagar-based Neuro Hospital, where he died during the course of treatment, said Rajan Adhikari, DSP at District Police Office Sunsari.

Local witness Chandan Rauniyar said the assailants, who came in two motorcycles, shot and injured Hussain no sooner had he reached the canal bank for morning walk.  He is the brother of Duhabi Municipality Ward-9 Chairman Mohammad Mahadi Hussain, Rauniyar said. The gunmen fled towards south direction after the shooting.

DSP Adhikari said the police have launched investigation right after the incident but the reason behind the incident has not been found. Hussain’s body has been kept at his residence.

Meanwhile, Duhabi area has become tense after locals resorted to agitation by burning tyres on the road in protest against the murder.

The agitating locals have demanded the police find the culprits and take legal action against them. Muslims have become agitated saying that the people from the community have been repeatedly murdered.

Vehicular movement on Biratnagar-Itahari road stretch has come to a grinding halt due to the agitation. Earlier on September 20, Khursid Alam, founder member of a private was also shot dead by an unknown gang. Police haven’t been able to find the murderers of Alam.