A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Surendra Jawahar, was brutally gunned down on Holi night in Haryana’s Sonipat, leaving the community in shock. The accused, identified as Monu, a neighbor, shot the Mundlana Mandal president three times at point-blank range in Jawahar village over a simmering land dispute, police confirmed Saturday.

The incident unfolded around 9:30 pm on Friday when Surendra, who had purchased land from Monu’s uncle and aunt, arrived to clear the property despite prior warnings from Monu to stay away. Enraged, Monu chased Surendra into a shop, where chilling CCTV footage captured the BJP leader shouting, “Maar diya, maar diya (I’ve been killed),” moments before Monu fired three bullets into him. Surendra succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Gohana ACP Rishi Kant reported that police were alerted immediately and dispatched three teams to investigate. Preliminary findings point to the property conflict as the motive. The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and efforts are underway to apprehend Monu, who fled the scene.

The brazen killing, caught on camera during Holi festivities, has heightened local tensions. Sadar Police Station is leading the probe, with authorities vowing swift action. The incident underscores the volatility of land disputes in the region.