Jajpur firing incident: Odisha CM announces ex-gratia; inter-state looter gang’s involvement suspected

A day after two persons were shot dead by armed men during a robbery attempt in Odisha's Jajpur district, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia for the family members of the deceased.

While CM Majhi announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family members of each deceased, medical expenses of injured persons are to be borne by the Odisha government.

The deceased have been identified as Sunil Kumar Ray, a jewellery store employee at Panikoili, and Nila Madhab Panda, a resident of Soti village.

According to police, Ray was riding his motorcycle to a bank to deposit the store's cash when he was shot around 1.30 pm. He was admitted to the district headquarters hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries.

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According to sources, four unidentified armed men on two motorcycles arrived at the scene and fired at Ray, injuring him critically. 

Hearing Ray’s screams, locals rushed to the spot. Anticipating trouble, the armed men fired on the locals killing Panda on the spot.

Soon after, locals chased the armed men and overpowered two of them while two others managed to escape. Police arrived at the spot and arrested the two and launched a manhunt to nab the others.

“I was present at the spot when the robbers were firing. Fortunately, I escape unhurt as I was standing on the opposite site. Later, I chased them and overpowered one,” said Narahari Das, driver of the jewellery shop.

Ashok Kumar Panda, owner of the jewellery shop said, “The miscreants have looted 60 per cent of our stock. We have CCTV footage and will hand over them to police.” 

Even though 24 hours have passed, police are yet to arrest the remaining two who are still at large.

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Meanwhile, a three-member team of the Special Task Force of the Odisha Crime Branch along with a scientific team and dog squad visited the crime scene and launched an investigation into the matter.  

Besides, the police of the neighbouring states have been alerted to the matter and efforts are on to arrest the absconding accused.

“We will form five special teams and separate team has been formed for interrogation. We will consider all angles during investigation,” said Yashpratap Shrimal, Jajpur SP.

While the seized bike has been traced to Bargarh, the two detained accused are reportedly from Bihar and Jharkhand. The duo is presently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and in police custody.