Sarpanch fires three rounds of bullets at youth over 'past enmity' in Odisha

A man sustained critical bullet injuries after the Sarpanch of his village allegedly opened fire at him on Friday. The victim has been identified as Rajendra Karn of Kusurbandh village under Manmunda police limits in Odisha’s Boudh district.

Karn was rushed to the local CHC and later shifted to Sonepur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) after his condition worsened. He is now battling for his life in the hospital.

The accused Sarpanch has been identified as Saroj Karn. While no exact reason for the Sarpanch’s brutality was known immediately, locals attributed the attack to past enmity.

According to sources, the Sarpanch's family was at loggerheads with Rajendra over some previous enmity. A fight broke out between the two over some matter at around 9 pm on Friday night. Things took an ugly turn after Saroj along with his brother and father attacked Rajendra.

The situation further escalated after Saroj, out of rage, took out a pistol from his house, and fired at Rajendra. Still not satisfied, Saroj fired two more rounds at both of Rajendra’s legs, leaving him critically injured.

Worse, Saroj, his brother, and father then beat up Rajendra with lathis as he lay in a pool of blood, family members alleged. Villagers intervened and rushed Rajendra to Manmunda Community Health Centre (CHC).

After preliminary treatment, he was then referred to Sonepur DHH for better treatment. On being informed, Manmunda police rushed to the village and took stock of the situation. Rajendra’s family members have demanded Saroj to be booked under attempt to murder charges.

No comments could be obtained from the police or the Sarpanch and his family.