Baleshwar: In a broad daylight murder, a businessman was allegedly shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants at a busy market area in Sahadevkhunta area of Odisha’s Balasore district on Thursday.
According to police sources, the daring crime took place at Adar market under the jurisdiction of Sahadevkhunta Police Station of Baleshwar in t
he afternoon.
The deceased has been identified as Sheikh Hamid (38), a local businessman running several establishments, including a car accessories showroom.
Locals said two miscreants arrived at the market on a motorcycle and opened fire at Hamid. The attackers allegedly fired around eight rounds before fleeing the spot.
Hamid, who sustained critical injuries, was immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Baleshwar for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
The incident triggered panic in the busy Adar market area, with locals gathering at the scene soon after the shooting.
After receiving information about the incident, a team from Sahadevkhunta Police Station rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to identify and trace the assailants.
While the motive behind the killing is yet to be ascertained, business rivalry and personal enmity could have led to the crime. Investigation is in progress.