A trader dealing in plastic scrap was shot at in broad daylight in Malda on Friday afternoon.

Safikul Islam, 45, suffered a bullet injury to the right shoulder and is under treatment at a private nursing home here. Police suspect the attack was the fallout of a business rivalry.

Safikul was heading towards Malda on his two-wheeler along NH12 from Sujapur, a locality under Kaliachak police station's jurisdiction.

Sadek, his elder brother, said three to four persons, who were following him on two-wheelers, attacked him.

“When Sadikul reached Sustani More (a crossing on the outskirts of Malda town), they fired at him. A bullet hit his right shoulder and he fell off the two-wheeler. We reached the spot and rushed him to the nursing home. We suspect some business-related issues led to the attack,” said Sadek.

Police officers probing the incident said Sadikul was having a dispute with his business partner in the past few months.

“Differences between the business partners might have resulted in the attack. We are trying to find out the motive behind the shooting and also trace the attackers,” said a police officer.

Sadikul’s family members said he had identified the attackers. “Once he recovers, he will provide their details to the police,” said a family member.