Former Deputy Mayor of Dhanbad Neeraj Singh and three others were killed in a shootout in the Jharkhand city on Tuesday evening. The firing took place near the Steel Gate locality, reported ANI. The assailants fled the site after the shooting.

Besides Singh, his bodyguard Laitu, driver Munna and a friend, Ashok Yadav, were also shot dead. Additional Director General of Police RK Mallik told CNN-News18 that the attack took place near Singh’s house.

According to reports, four assailants surrounded Singh’s car and opened fire. The police have yet to identify the shooters and ascertain their motive. They reportedly used AK-47s and fired more than 50 rounds at the vehicle.

A large number of Central Industrial Security Force personnel have been deployed outside Central Hospital, where Singh had been admitted after the firing. He succumbed to his bullet injuries later. Supporters of the former deputy mayor had gathered outside the hospital to protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in Jharkhand.