Dhenkanal: A hunting trip turned tragic at a village in Hindol area of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district when a man was shot dead by one of his companions who mistook him for a prey.
The incident took place near a cashew forest close to Manpur village under Hindol block of the district late Thursday night.
The deceased has been identified as Babula Nayak.
As per police sources, four friends from Manpur village had ventured into the nearby forest on a hunting expedition. During the trip, one Prashant Nayak accidentally fired at Babulal, mistaking him to be a target.
Babulal reportedly died on the spot after being hit by the bullet.
Following the tragic development, the other members of the group allegedly moved the body and hid it in the cashew forest near Kanpur village. They returned home and Babulal’s wife was informed about his death. His wife Jhilli alerted the villagers, who then reported the matter to Rasol police station.
After receiving information, a police team visited the site, recovered the body, and launched an investigation into the incident.
The police have taken three persons into custody in connection with the incident and seized the firearm used in the hunting expedition. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Police have also urged people to refrain from illegal hunting activities as such incidents pose not only legal consequences but also life-threatening risks.
