At least three members of a family including a man and his son were critically injured after a bike-borne miscreant allegedly opened fire at them near Majhisahi at Jenapada in Athagarh on Sunday evening over a suspected love affair.
The injured have been identified as Bansidhar Nayak, Jitendra Nayak and Dinabandhu Nayak.
According to sources, the miscreant fired eight rounds of bullets at the trio while they were sitting at the village club and fled the spot.
The trio sustained serious bullet injuries in the attack and was immediately rushed Athagrah hospital. Later, they were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their health condition deteriorated, sources informed.
Though the exact reason behind the firing is unknown, locals suspected that the trio might be attacked over a love affair.
On being informed about the incident, Athagarh Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) along with other police officers rushed to the spot and launched an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, Athagarh police has identified the accused and launched raids at several places to nab him.
(Reported by Nilakantha Dora, OTV)