Vadodara: A US-based NRI (Non-Residential Indian), Manoj S Patel was shot dead by some unidentified persons at Akota garden crossing in the city last night (Apr 4, 2004), police said.

City Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Sinha said that the deceased, based in Virginia, was driving his car on way to his sister's house in Akota when some unidentified persons fired at Patel from point blank range.

Passers-by took him to a nearby private hospital where he was declared dead on arrival, Sinha said, adding it was not known as to how many assailants were chasing Patel and how they reached there.

Manoj, a motel owner, had arrived in the city in January 2004 and was scheduled to return US tomorrow (Apr 6, 2004).

A note found in the deceased's wallet indicated that there was strained relationship between the man and his wife Ila, living in Virginia, USA.

Ila after divorcing her first husband Kaushik Patel, married Manoj in 1993 and has two children from him. Kaushik had given the motel to Ila after the divorce, investigations revealed, police said.

Both Kaushik and Ila hail form Gajera village in neighbouring Bharuch district.

Police team rushed to the village last night but could not locate Kaushik.