Balasore: Two young men sustained critical gunshot wounds in a late-night firing incident at Arada Bazaar in Odisha’s Balasore district.
The victims have been identified as Manoj Sahu and Kartik Prasad, both residents of the nearby Nua Bazaar area under Sahadevkhunta police limits.
According to sources, one youth was hit by a bullet in the back while the other suffered an injury to his hand. They were first taken to the district headquarters hospital for emergency treatment before being shifted to Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital for advanced care due to the severity of their conditions.
Preliminary investigation points to past enmity between two groups, involved in illegal drugs dealings, as a possible motive behind the shooting. It is being suspected that a shotgun, often used for hunting, may have been used in the attack.
Residents of Arada Bazaar and surrounding localities have expressed apprehension, with many voicing fears about recurring violence and the easy availability of firearms. The market area, known for its bustling commercial activity, has previously seen issues linked to local disputes and occasional criminal activity.
Police have not yet made any arrests, and further details regarding the attackers or the exact sequence of events are awaited.
