A young man accused in a murder case was shot to death by unidentified assailants in the Dakkhin Tutpara Baro Khalpar area of Khulna city early Friday.

The deceased was identified as Ismail, 32, son of Shajahan of the area.

Witnesses said a group of assailants shot Ismail in the head near his house around 12:15 am, leaving him seriously injured.

Later, he was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

Md Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Khulna Sadar Police Station, said the attackers also struck Ismail on the head with a sharp weapon to ensure his death.

Police visited the scene and collected evidence, he said.

The OC said Ismail had several cases filed against him, including one on murder charges. However, details about the cases were not available immediately.

The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Police were investigating the motive behind the killing and conducting drives to identify and arrest those involved, Shafiqul said.