TV
A daring daylight robbery has shaken the town of Balugaon area in Khordha district after a local businessman was shot and allegedly robbed by a gang of armed assailants in a dramatic attack on a busy road. The incident occurred earlier on Friday and has sparked panic among the business community and residents alike.
More About The Incident
According to police sources, the victim, a well-known gold and silver trader from Umakantapur, was travelling with a consignment of silver when he was ambushed by five unidentified assailants riding two motorcycles. The attackers, who are suspected to have been tracking the trader's movements, intercepted him on a relatively isolated stretch of road and opened fire without warning.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing two rounds of gunfire. One bullet struck the businessman in the chest while another hit his hand, causing him to collapse on the roadside. The assailants then forcibly seized a bag containing approximately 15 kilograms of silver and fled the scene before locals could intervene. The entire act reportedly took place within a span of a few minutes, leaving no time for any immediate response.
The injured trader was rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to a medical facility, where his condition is said to be stable but serious. Doctors have confirmed that the bullet wounds, though not immediately life-threatening, have caused significant blood loss and trauma.
Balugaon Police have launched a manhunt to track down the culprits. Checkpoints have been set up at all major exit points of the town, and CCTV footage from surrounding areas is being reviewed to identify the suspects. Senior police officials, including the SDPO, visited the crime scene and assured the public of swift action.
“This appears to be a well-planned robbery by a professional gang. We are collecting evidence and hopeful of making arrests soon,” said a senior officer involved in the investigation.
Locals have also expressed shock over the brazenness of the crime, which took place in broad daylight. Many residents are now demanding the installation of more surveillance cameras and stricter policing in key commercial zones of Balugaon area.
