Punjab right-wing leader Sudhir Suri shot dead during protest outside Amritsar temple

The attack was caught on camera and took place in the presence of over a dozen cops around him.

Suri was the leader of a local outfit that uses the name Shiv Sena Taksali.

He was attacked while holding a protest outside a temple against its management when at least five shots were fired from a pistol, allegedly by a local shopkeeper.

Due to threats from gangsters and Khalistani extremists, Suri had police protection but still, the attacker, Sandeep Singh, was successful in firing at least two shots that led to his death at a hospital. There were also local cops deployed at the spot.

Singh has been arrested on the spot immediately and his weapon was seized.

"The accused was arrested immediately and the weapon seized. Further investigation is on," said the city police commissioner, Arun Pal Singh, who did not give more details.

Suri, who never participated in the election, was mostly known for his fiery and allegedly communal video messages on social media targeting some Sikh outfits and Khalistan supporters in particular.

Police did not draw a connection as yet.

The police commissioner has appealed to the people to keep calm and not give in to any communal calls.

Tense messages and conspiracy theories were going around among residents of the Sikh holy city, said reports.