Angul: A joyous wedding celebration turned into a scene of panic after two persons were injured in gunfire during the procession at Belapunji village under Athmallik police limits in Odisha’s Angul district.
The victims have been identified as Sanjib Bhoi from Kirasira village and Rakesh Kanhar from the Damagora area in Boudh district, who sustained bullet wounds in their hand and feet respectively. They were rushed to district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Boudh for treatment and their condition is stated to be stable.
According to sources, the groom’s party (baraat) had traveled from Manamunda of Boudh district to the bride’s residence in Belapunji village. The group was moving through the village amid music, dancing, and festivities late on Monday when a male member of the groom’s side suddenly opened fire. The two injured individuals, also part of the groom’s procession, collapsed and began bleeding heavily, halting the celebrations as fellow attendees scrambled to help.
The accused, who also hails from the Boudh district area and was part of the wedding party, fled the scene immediately after the incident. His identity has been established, and Athmallik police, along with input from Boudh’s Model police are actively tracking his movements. An investigation is also underway to determine the exact motive behind the firing incident.
