The incident occurred in the wee hours of Monday. On Sunday, Sudhir (42), who claimed to be a probable candidate from Mau, had gone there to address a party meeting. He was accompanied by three private security guards.

“When my vehicle reached Saket Nagar colony, I found a tractor stationed in the middle of the road. I asked my driver to take another route to reach home. While the driver was reversing the car, the assailants opened fire at me. In retaliation, my securitymen fired back,” he said. The miscreants were on two wheelers and a black Scorpio.

Vijay Bhushan, the Additional Superintendent of Police, said: “Sophisticated weapons were used in the attack including .9 mm pistols.” “Over two dozen bullets were shot during the exchange of fire. Sudhir Singh's car has been riddled with bullets,” said Ram Swaroop Verma, the in-charge of the Lanka police station.

Sushil's uncle Brijesh Singh and Ajay Singh who are in jail have been accused of conspiracy. Other accused includes Tribhuvan Singh, who carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head and Narendra.