A land broker was shot dead at Bagbari in Malda town on Tuesday night, with his family alleging the involvement of miscreants who had been forcing them to sell their house and land cheap.

However, police officers probing the murder of Sisir Mondal, 37, are yet to ascertain the motive behind his murder and are examining whether it was linked to his work as a land broker.

Mondal was killed by unidentified assailants in Bagbari, not very far from his home in the area. “We called him several times but he did not take the call. On Wednesday morning, we came to know his body had been spotted at a ground nearby,” said Bhim, his father.

As a team from the local Englishbazar police station reached the spot and started investigations. “It seems he was shot in his head. There are two to three injury marks which appear caused by bullets. We can only confirm after we receive the post-mortem reports,” said an officer.

Mondal’s family said for past few months, a group of miscreants had been forcing them to sell their property — house and land — at a low price. “We did not agree to it. These people might be involved in the attack. The police should arrest all those who killed my son,” the father said.

Police sources said Sisir used to work as a land broker and would deal in properties. “Our officers are probing the case and trying to find out whether the murder has anything to do with his work. We cannot right now, confirm the motive,” an officer said.

Youth shot at

Toton Choudhury, a youth of Krishnapally in Malda town, was shot in his leg by miscreants on Tuesday evening. Sanjoy, his brother, also suffered injuries trying to save him.

Sources said a few days back, Toton had an altercation with some youths who gamble every day. On Tuesday, they quarrelled again and one of them suddenly took out a firearm and shot at him, the bullet hitting his right leg.

“I was returning home. Seeing them attacking my brother, I rushed for help. There were seven of them. I managed to grab one of them but others attacked me, managed to free him and fled. I have filed a complaint with the police,” said Sanjoy.

Police sources said a person has been arrested in connection with the case. Searches are on to nab others.