Man, mistaken for prey, shot dead by friends in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

A hunting expedition took a fatal turn in Manpur village under Hindol block of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district when a man accidentally shot his friend, leading to his death. The incident occurred late Thursday night near a cashew forest in the region.

The deceased has been identified as Babula Nayal.

Tragic Turn of Events

According to police, four friends from Manpur village had ventured into the nearby forest for hunting. During the expedition, one Prashant Nayak mistakenly fired his gun at his friend, Babulal, assuming he was a target. 

The bullet struck Babulal, killing him on the spot, sourced added.

Realising the gravity of the situation, the other three friends allegedly moved the body and hid it in the cashew forest near Kanpur village. Later, they returned home, and Babulal’s wife, Jhilli Nayak, was informed about his death. Distressed, she alerted the villagers, who then reported the matter to Rasol police station.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Upon receiving the complaint, police reached the scene, recovered the body, and initiated an investigation. 

Meanwhile, the police have arrested all four individuals involved and seized the firearm used in the hunting expedition. Further investigation into the matter is on, said sources.
 
Local police have urged people to refrain from illegal hunting activities as such incidents pose not only legal consequences but also life-threatening risks.