The injured, identified as Bijay Pradhan of Gudapada under Bainchua gram panchayat, was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Balasore. However, he succumbed to injuries a few minutes later.
According to information, five miscreants wearing helmets came, terrorised boat travellers and attacked Bijay with swords all of a sudden. They then fired at him from a close range. The miscreants fled from the spot immediately. Bijay received bullet injuries in his chest.
While the exact reason behind the ghastly incident was yet to be known, it is suspected to be outcome of past business rivalry.
Meanwhile, fishermen and locals have kept the body in front of the DHH police outpost, demanding early arrest of miscreants and justice for the deceased’s family.
It may be noted that a professor had shot at a businessman over vehicle parking at Balasore two days back. The severely injured victim is still undergoing treatment at a hospital.