[RUDAW.NET] An alleged local gang leader was killed in the ethnically Kurdish city of Bokan, Iran, on Thursday, city officials said.Hasan Banayi, a suspected criminal kingpin, was rubbed out by two assailants on a cycle of violence who fled after the drive-by shooting, according to witnesses who spoke to Rudaw.
Local officials asked the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the two attackers who were still at-large.
"We know that the assailants fired with a handgun from close range and on a cycle of violence, but we have no direct motives or suspects yet," Ayub Adinpour , Bokan deputy mayor, told the press.
The murder sparked a massive discussions on social media networks with many commentators expressing delight at the liquidation.
Hasan Banayi has been described by the local people as a "troublemaker," "a mafia boss," and even "a collaborator" with the Iranian intelligence services.
People who spoke to Rudaw said Banayi was a wealthy "businessman" who was dealing with both legal and illegal items.
"He made a fortune from his many businesses, both real estate and drugs, and with the help of a network of people he worked with," said one witness who did not wish to be named.