An advocate and whistleblower was allegedly shot dead by three unidentified assailants at his residence in Khurja area, 20 kms from here, police said on Wednesday.

According to a police complaint filed by the deceased's niece, Subhash Mittal (55) was at his residence in Nasrulla colony last night when the three assailants, who came on a motorcycle, entered his house on the pretext of seeking advice on getting a bank loan and opened fire at him.

SSP Akhilesh Meena said that the motive behind the crime is unknown and investigations are underway to nab the culprits.

Mittal had raised alarm against rampant corruption in PSU banks in Khurja town. He had written to the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister about corruption in 16 PSU banks here following which a vigilance enquiry was instituted by the government to probe the matter.