The  of Patto Hira Singh village was shot dead by unidentified attackers on Friday morning in a targeted attack in Baghapurana in Moga district of Punjab.

According to police, the current sarpanch, Harvinder Singh Happy, had arrived at his health club in Bagha Purana as part of his daily routine. As he stepped out of his Thar vehicle, five assailants arrived in a Fortuner SUV and opened fire on him. Three of the attackers got out of the vehicle and fired around 15 to 17 rounds, hitting him with seven to eight bullets. He died on the spot.

Dalveer Singh Sidhu, DSP of Bagha Purana, said police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras and have identified the suspects. Teams have been formed to arrest them.

Police believe the killing is linked to an old rivalry. A case will be registered after recording statements from the victim’s family, and further investigation is underway.