Lucknow/Muzaffarnagar, June 10
A local BJP leader was today shot dead by unidentified assailants this morning, the second party leader to be murdered in four days, sparking protest by BJP. The party accused the Akhilesh Yadav state government of failing to stop "political killings" in UP.

Om Vir Singh 'Fauji' 42) a retired Armyman and a resident of Nagla Khepad village, who was said to be the vice-president of BJP unit in Mirapur town, was returning to his village when he was accosted by two armed men on a motorcycle near Bheema Canal Bridge who shot at him killing him on the spot.

Singh, who had a licensed revolver with him, also fired at the attackers. One of the attackers reportedly suffered a bullet injury on his leg. The police are searching for a youth with gunshot injuries in nursing homes at Muzaffarnagar and neighboring districts.

Talking to reporters, IG Law and Order Amrendra K Senger did not confirm that Om Vir Singh was associated with the BJP.

BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan said that Omvir was a BJP worker but he was not aware if he was holding a post in the party.

Following the incident, Singh's family members and BJP workers staged protests and blocked a road. Senior police officials, who reached the spot, assured the protesters of speedy investigation in the case. On Saturday, BJP leader Vijay Pandit was killed in Dadri in Greater Noida. Pandit's family had alleged political vendetta in the murder.