Haldwani, Jan. 6 -- A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ward councillor was arrested on Monday for allegedly murdering a 22-year-old man earlier in the morning near his home in Haldwani, police said. The accused, identified as Amit Bisht, alias Chintu, 58, was in charge of Ward 55 and vice president of the party's city unit. The murder took place at around 12:30am after the deceased, Nitin Lohani (22) and an associate of his named Kamal Bhandari arrived at Bisht's home on Rampur Road. According to police officers aware of the matter, Bhandari testified to them that Bisht allegedly hurled abuse from the second floor and then opened fire at him and Lohani, who died on the spot. Lohani lived in the Judge Farm area in Haldwani. According to Haldwani police station house officer Vijay Mehta, Lohani was friends with Bisht's son and was at the latter's home to discuss an incident on Sunday in which Bisht's son was allegedly assaulted by an unidentified group of people. "It was suspected that councillor Bisht mistook the two boys for members of the gang that assaulted his son and opened fire on them. However, this has not been confirmed and the probe is ongoing," said Mehta. Police said that Bisht was taken into custody soon after the incident after a team arrived at the scene of the crime after being tipped off about gunshots being fired in the area. His firearm was also seized. The victim's brother submitted a written complaint on Monday, based on which a case was registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation was underway. Police said that Bisht had a criminal history and was allegedly involved in incidents of assaults on contractual electricity department employees and local traders. After Bisht's arrest, Nainital party district chief Pratap Bisht expelled him from the party late on Monday evening. "Amit Bisht has been removed from his position as Mandal President, active member, and all other party roles," he announced....