A Trinamul leader based in Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri district was shot at by an unidentified criminal late on Sunday evening.

Soleman Mohammad, 55, has sustained a bullet injury on his head and is being treated at a private nursing home in Siliguri. He is critical.

Sources said Soleman, a resident of Balaram, a village in Rajganj block, was seated at a shop that sells lottery tickets at Gandar More area of Bhutkihat, some 15km from Siliguri, on Sunday evening when he was attacked.

Two persons on a motorcycle came to the spot, one of whom got down, took out a firearm and fired at Soleman. The bullet, which pierced Soleman's head, finally hit Tapan Mahato, the lottery shop owner.

Both collapsed on the spot. The attackers fled towards Siliguri on their bike. Amid screams from bystanders, local trader Bapi Roy gave the attackers a chase on his bike. The criminals fired at least two rounds at him, prompting him to halt for his safety.

Soleman and Tapan were rushed to the private nursing home in Siliguri. Tapan was released after treatment. Soleman, a popular leader and owner of plantations, is reported to be critical.

Senior police officers from Jalpaiguri have initiated a probe. On Monday, Gaurav Sharma, the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, visited the site of the shooting.

He spoke with Roy to gather information and other eyewitnesses.

Khageswar Roy, the Trinamul MLA of Rajganj, went to the spot and also visited the nursing home to check on Soleman's health.

“We have urged the police to find out whether Soleman was attacked because of any political reason or any issue related to his business. Police should nab the attackers," the MLA said.