Miscreants open fire at man over ‘extortion’ in Odisha’s Cuttack, victim critical

Athagarh: A man was opened fire by some miscreants allegedly demanding Dadabati (extortion) today evening at around 5.00 PM at Mahidharpur village under Athagarh police limits in Cuttack district.

The victim man is a tractor driver and he has been identified as Biswajit Palei from the district.

According to a source, Biswajit was engaged in soil-laying work at Mahidharpur. Five miscreants including one Dilip Palei alias Dilu came near the victim and demanded extortion money. He was on his way to the work site when he was intercepted at the crime spot. As he expressed his inability to pay the demanded amount, the miscreants opened fire at him and fled from the spot soon after committing the crime.

Biswajit was rescued by some locals and was immediately admitted to a government-run hospital in Athagarh for treatment. The injured sustained bullet injuries on his abdomen. He was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated.

“Five to six miscreants belonging to our village came in a car and fired at my elder brother demanding extortion money. They were in an inebriated condition when they opened fire but previously had no enmity with him. His condition is critical now,” Biswajit’s younger brother Aju Palei expressed.

On being informed, Athagarh police reached the spot and initiated a detailed probe.