Balasore: Unidentified miscreants shot dead a city-based businessman at Phirngipatna village near Sahadevkhunta in Balasore district late Saturday night.
The deceased was identified as Manas Ranjan Das.
According to reports, he ran a transport business in Balasore. As usual, he had gone to his office Saturday morning. He later returned late in the night at around 11PM.
Meanwhile, the miscreants, believed to be waiting for him near his house in a pre-planned manner, opened fire at him while he was locking his house gate.
Manas sustained multiple gunshot injuries on his chest and fell unconscious on the spot. Hearing the bullet shots, neighbours rushed to the spot and spotted Manas lying in a pool of blood.
He was then rushed to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) where he was declared brought dead by doctors. His wife, who was not at home that time, informed the police.
Though the exact reason behind the firing is still unclear, past enmity due to personal or business rivalry is suspected to be the reason behind the murder, police said adding that a probe was on.
After getting information, Balasore SP Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth and Sahadevkhunta Police Station IIC Sarojini Nayak reached the hospital and the police have started an investigation.
“We are looking into all angles and a probe is on. We suspect previous enmity over business rivalry behind the murder. All check gates have been sealed and we will arrest the miscreants soon,” Superintendent of police, Balasore, Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth said.
“The deceased sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was received dead here at the hospital,” said Dr Soumya Sambit Behera of Balasore DHH.