Tilak Bisoi (35), Sarapanch of Khairaputi gram panchayat, died on the spot, while his associate Pitabash Jena (30) succumbed to injuries on way to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after the attack late last night, they said.
At least six armed miscreants threw bombs and fired at them when the victims were standing near a fast food center in the sub divisional headquarters town, sub divisional police officer (SDPO), Bhanjanagar S C Jamadar, said.
The victims had gone to Bhanjanagar to admit a patient in the hospital when the incident took place, police said. The assailants fled from the spot after committing the crime. Police said personal enmity might be the cause of the incident and ruled out political rivalry.
The accused persons have been identified and a manhunt launched to arrest them. We have formed three teams to search the assailants. The teams have fanned out in different parts of the state to nab them, the SDPO said. Patrolling was also intensified in the town.