Journalist shot at home in Cuttack, critical after suspected rivalry attack

In a shocking incident, a local journalist was critically injured after unidentified assailants opened fire at his residence at Nuapada village under Badamba police station in Cuttack district on late Sunday night.

The victim has been identified as Manoj Nayak, a journalist working for a private television channel.

According to Nayak, the attack is suspected to be the fallout of a past enmity.

As per reports, the assailants targeted Nayak’s house and opened fire, leaving him with bullet injuries on his shoulder and finger. Villagers rushed him to the hospital for treatment in a critical condition.

Following a complaint about the incident, local police reached the spot and started an investigation into the case. 

"My wife and I were sleeping at home, and the window was open. We heard a firing sound at around 2.30 am. When I woke up, I found myself injured on my left shoulder and a finger. My neighbours took me to Maniabandha Hospital immediately, where I got treatment. After returning home, I found a bullet near my bed. I informed the Badamba police about the incident immediately. The police reached the spot and started an investigation. I have been attacked over a past enmity. I suspect that Manoranjan Nayak from our village might have orchestrated the attack," said Manoj Nayak.

"We have provided the required primary treatment to the injured patient and administered an injection to him. Detailed information about the matter could be revealed following the police investigation. The patient has sustained injuries on his shoulder and hand," said Dr Debashis Mishra, Medical Officer of Maniabandha Hospital.

However, no comments were received from the police.