YEREVAN—The body of Hratch Mouradyan, the head of the Proshian village in the Kotayk region of Armenia was found Tuesday in front the village municipal headquarters by his brother.

Mouradian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and an Artsakh War hero was reportedly gunned down as he was headed to his job and suffered injuries on his right temple.

Mouradian had an exemplary career from the onset of the Karabakh liberation movement until its end. He was awarded the Military Cross and several medals for his service to his country and heroism on the battlefield in Artsakh.

Police reported that shrapnel from a bullet was recovered from the 50-year-old village leader during preliminary forensic investigation by the medical examiner. To identify the make and caliber of the weapon used to shoot Mouradyan an investigative task force has been assigned by the prosecutor’s office.

The head of Nairi unit of the Armenian Police Force, Arsen Sargsyan told reporters that a criminal investigation was underway.

“At this time, we do not know what type of weapon was used and a criminal investigation has been launched to determine the motive and other facts about Mouradian’s murder,” said Sargsyan, who did not reveal more information to reporters.

The ARF Supreme Council of Armenia issued an announcement, in which it called the killing a “pre-meditated and planned killing.”

“Regardless of who the culprits are, it is evident that the crime occurred in an atmosphere of impunity and lawlessness,” said the Supreme Council announcement.

Mouradian served as the head of the village since 2005 and enjoyed the support and popularity of his villagers, which, according to the ARF Supreme Council of Armenia, had made certain circles unhappy.

The announcement stated that during his tenure, efforts were always made to destabilize his administration of the village.

“In condemning this crime, the ARF demands the quick and complete revelation of the crime and due punishment for those responsible,” said the announcement.