An attempt-to-murder accused, out on bail, was stabbed multiple times and shot twice in Pundag, some 18km from the heart of Ranchi, on Sunday morning, exposing the deteriorating law and order situation in the state capital.

Police suspect the involvement of a person whom victim Shahid Ansari (30) had targeted last year.

The killing took place around 11.30am when victim Ansari - an auto-rickshaw driver and a small-time land broker - and his friend Amjad Gaddi were on their way to Ranchion Ansari's bike.

According to eyewitnesses, the duo were waylaid by some people. They first stabbed Ansari many times with a knife and then pumped two bullets into his body from close range. Gaddi managed to flee the spot unscathed.

Family members rushed Ansari 25km to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), where doctors declared him brought dead.

City SP Jaya Roy said that they were yet to ascertain exactly how many persons were involved in the attack on Ansari. However, names of around 10 people have already come up for investigations.

The city SP claimed that police had chanced upon some vital clues and that the culprits would soon be brought to books. "It wouldn't be wise to divulge every detail at this moment. We are doing our best. Our investigations are proceeding in the right direction," she added.

Police are suspecting that the incident was the outcome of old enemity.

Sources in the force said that the deceased was released on provisional bail from Birsa Munda Central Jail about a month ago. Ansari had been arrested in December last year for opening fire on one Md Tabrez, who is now the main accused in the case, they said.

"We are trying to find out whether Tabrez is involved. My officers are camping on the spot in Pundag. Detailed reports are awaited," said Roy.

That the firing took place in broad daylight and on a main road shows how ineffective policing is in Ranchi.