Puri: Unidentified miscreant allegedly hurled crude bombs at a man playing Lord Ram character during a Ramlila in Odisha's Puri on Monday while the Laxman actor sustained critical injuries in the explosion.

The victim, identified as Sukant Pradhan (30) of Sahanikera village under Puri Sadar police limits, was initially admitted to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, the Ramlila was underway at Bijay Nagar slum under Baliapanda police limits here, during which the accused hurled two crude bombs targeting Kirtan Pradhan, who was on the stage portraying Lord Ram character.

However, the bombs hit 'Laxman' actor Sukant, as a result of which he sustained grievous injuries on his right hand.

The organization running the event has lodged a complaint in this regard with the police.

Further investigation by police was underway to identify and apprehend the accused.

It is being suspected that the incident was a fallout of a dispute involving two groups in the area.