Dhenkanal, Jan 30: A man was shot and critically injured after he went to demand the return of money paid for the purchase of paddy in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, a source said on Friday.

The incident took place on Thursday evening at Tinkaloni under Kansaragoda village in Baruan panchayat, within Bhuban police station limits. The injured was identified as Panchanan Rout from Baruan.

According to the source, Panchanan had earlier paid Rs 3,000 to Nandu Dehuri for the purchase of paddy. However, when the paddy was not supplied, Panchanan went to Dehuri’s house on Thursday evening to demand the return of the money.

The source said an argument broke out between the two over the issue, following which Nandu Dehuri allegedly fired at Panchanan with a firearm. The bullet struck Panchanan in his right eye, causing severe injury and resulting in the loss of eyesight.

Panchanan was initially provided medical assistance and later shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

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Following the incident, Panchanan’s sister-in-law, Kabita Rout, lodged an FIR at Bhuban police station. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.

This story was compiled by Satabhisa Jena.