Youth shot at in broad daylight near Puri Gundicha Temple

Puri: A youth was shot at by unidentified assailants in full public glare near Gundicha Temple here today morning triggering panic in the area.

According to sources, as many as four miscreants chased and fired three rounds of bullets at one Sanjay Behera alias Para in front of the Nakachana gate of the Gundicha Temple and later fled the spot.

During the attack, Para sustained grievous wounds on his left shoulder and severe injuries on the head following which he collapsed on the ground.

Subsequently, he was rushed to district headquarters hospital with the help of some locals and his family members. Para was later shifted to Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital after his condition worsened.

While Para’s family members suspect past enmity behind the attack, they have lodged a complaint at Kumbharpada police station

They claimed that Para had disputes with his former associates over running of some commercial establishments including an illegal vehicle parking stand near the Gundicha Temple. Para also had a scuffle with a group from Matiapada area some days back.

It may be noted that Para was convicted in several criminal cases and after serving a sentence he was released from the jail five months ago.

After the incident, questions are now being raised over the laxity in police security near the Gundicha Temple.

Speaking about the incident, Puri City DSP Prasanta Patnaik said, “Kumbharpada and Sadar Town Police Station IIC have inspected the spot and a probe has been launched to nab the criminals.”