Police are searching for a woman who was with National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Motaleb Shikder at the time he was shot in Khulna, as investigators recover suspected drug-related items from the rented flat where the incident took place.

Motaleb Shikder, a senior organiser of NCP’s associate body Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was shot on Monday afternoon inside a flat in the city’s Sonadanga area. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors said he is now out of danger.

According to police, preliminary findings suggest the shooting may have stemmed from internal disputes and personal conflicts rather than political rivalry.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Mohammad Tajul Islam said investigators found indications of “socially inappropriate activities” at the flat and recovered suspected narcotics during the search.

Police said the flat had been rented about a month ago by a young woman identifying herself as Tonni, who introduced herself as an NGO worker and claimed to be Shikder’s wife. The woman has remained untraceable since the incident, and efforts are underway to locate her using CCTV footage and mobile data.

Witnesses said local residents initially took Shikder to the hospital following the shooting. The bullet reportedly grazed the left side of his head, exiting near the ear, causing heavy bleeding but no fatal injury.

Police said the motive behind the attack and the identities of those involved are still being investigated.