Berhampur: A local BJD leader was shot dead by unidentified miscreants at Aska in Ganjam district Monday night.
The deceased has been identified as Sadananda Lenka (50).
According to reports, the incident took place around 10.30 pm while he along with his associate was returning home on a motorcycle. Some bike-borne miscreants chased him and opened fire multiple rounds of bullets diminishing him near College Chhak in the town, following which Lenka succumbed on the spot.
On receipt of information, police reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. His associate who escaped unhurt has been detained by police for interrogation.
Though the exact motive behind the firing is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that few accused of a murder that took place in Kharia panchayat two years ago, are involved in the attack.
PNN