Cuttack: As many as three unidentified miscreants opened fire at an employee of a financial company and robbed him of Rs 1 lakh at Khuntakata near Anshupa Square of Athagarh in the district on Thursday.
The victim identified as Kitish Ranjan Bhanja of Mahindra Finance sustained severe injuries in the firing. He was rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.
According to reports, three bike-borne miscreants chased and shot Bhanja at Marugotha near Jenapada while he was returning to Athagarh after collecting payment for the company. They snatched the money from Bhanja leaving him in a critical condition.
Upon receiving the information, Athagarh Police reached the spot and launched a probe into the incident.
In a similar incident, eight miscreants brandishing firearms looted over Rs 5 lakh from four cattle traders at Mahulapatna Ghati road near Mukhiguda in Kalahandi District on Thursday.
According to reports, the looters attacked the businessmen while they were on their way to buy cattle at Jaipatna. The miscreants allegedly thrashed and pointed guns before snatching Rs 5.22 lakh from them.
Jaipatna Police have registered a case in this connection and further investigation into the incident is underway.
(Edited by Ramakant Biswas)