MIC Johor deputy chief and Tenggaroh state assemblyperson S Krishnasamy was gunned down by an unidentified assailant at the MIC Johor headquarters this afternoon.

When contacted, his staff confirmed that Krishnasamy, 61, died shortly after the 2pm incident.

The three-term assemblyperson is believed to have been shot twice at close range in the lift at the party headquarters, where Krishnasamy was supposed to attend a meeting.

According to Bernama, Johor deputy police chief Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Sharif said Krishnasamy's body was discovered lying in a pool of blood by Johor Puteri MIC chief R Vithayamohan at about 2.10pm.

Mohd Mokhtar also said the police have formed a special task force to investigate the case and urged all quarters not to speculate.

Krishnasamy, a contractor, leaves behind widow Sornavalli and four children.

He was also elected as a member of MIC's powerful central working committee in 2000, 2003 and 2006.

Krishnasamy is the second MIC politician to have been shot dead in recent years. In 2000, then Kedah state assemblyperson for Lunas Dr Joe Fernandez was shot dead in Bukit Mertajam by unidentified men.

In an immediate reaction, Kahang (Johor) state assemblyperson S Ramis described Krishnasamy's death as a great loss to the party.

"He was a bold and daring man who worked hard for his constituents and the Indian community. This is a big loss. He was one of the potential leaders to lead the state MIC," he said.

Samy 'shocked and saddened'

In a statement issued later, MIC president S Samy Vellu also expressed sadness and shock over the incident, which he said should not have happened.

“I wish to state that MIC has lost a fighter for the people. Krishnasamy was a leader who was dedicated and had integrity,” he added.

Samy Vellu said he had personally informed Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi about the matter. According to him, Abdullah too expressed “shock and sadness”.

He said it is now up to the police to investigate matter. He also expressed his condolences to Krishnasamy’s widow and four children.