Ferozepur, December 20
Two persons, including a SAD leader, were shot dead by unidentified assailants today at Khosa Dal Singh village on the Ferozepur-Zira road, around 10 km from the district headquarters. Another person was seriously injured in the shooting.

The deceased included Akali leader Sukhdeep Singh Sekhon, who is also the president of the truck union in Ghal Khurd, and his associate Manpreet Singh. The injured was identified as Kewal Singh alias Kali. Sukhdeep was into the transport business. His father was also a famous transporter of the region. The incident took place when Sukhdeep along with others had gone to visit a dog race organised by a private club in the village.

Sources said that as soon as the race started, Sukhdeep, who was sitting on the stage with other guests, was attacked with firearms by unidentified persons from behind the stage.

While Sukhdeep and Manpreet died on the spot, Kewal was grievously wounded. Eyewitnesses said that due to the shouting and loud sound during the show, no one in the gathering realised that gunshots were being fired.

SSP Manminder Singh said the police would register a case against Jaipal and Chandu on the basis of the statements of the injured person and the family members of the deceased.