Bullets fly in Puri: One dead in firing near Emar Mutt, accused detained

One person was reportedly shot dead on the busy Kakudikhai square near the historic Emar Mutt in Puri on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Shivaram Patra from Harachandi Taluchha Sahi in the pilgrim town.

As per reports, two bike-borne miscreants opened fire two rounds of bullets killing Patra on the spot just 10 metres away from the Singha Dwara of the Puri Jagannath Temple. 

Eyewitnesses said, Patra was riding his motorcycle towards Bada Danda through Kakudi khai road when he was fired upon near the Emar mutt. He is stated to have died on the spot itself.

Singha Dwara Police shifted the wounded Patra to Puri district headquarters hospital where he was declared dead.

Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh who reached the spot to assess the situation said the prime accused in the murder named Chandan Barik has been detained in connection with the incident. The weapon used in the crime has also been seized.

The SP further said prima facie shows personal enmity is the prime motive behind the murder. Further spot examination and forensic examination is underway.  

A few days ago, senior servitor of Puri Jagannath Temple, Krushna Chandra Pratihari was shot also dead over past rivalry in the town. Police acted strongly against the crime and arrested ten accused involved in the dastardly act. 

Meanwhile, social activists have raised serious questions over the rise in cases of murders and other crimes especially due to poor gun controls.