Tension gripped the town after an unidentified youth fired 10 rounds in two crowded locations on Saturday evening in an alleged attempt to terrorise a local councillor and his family over a refusal to pay protection/extortion money.
According to police sources, the incident is linked to the ongoing renovation of a mosque in the Ranpara area. The councillor is overseeing the construction, while his brother-in-law is supervising the day-to-day work. Members of a known criminal gang reportedly demanded money from the brother-in-law. When he directed them to approach the councillor and his son-in-law instead, the gang member became furious.
The youth first reached near the mosque and fired five rounds into the ground. He then moved to the nearby Town High School ground, where he suspected the councillor was present, and fired another five rounds. No one was injured in the firing, which appeared aimed purely at creating fear.
Kendrapara Town Police and senior officers rushed to the spot, recovered spent cartridges, and detained a youth for questioning on suspicion of involvement. The motive has been confirmed as intimidation linked to the extortion demand.
The firing occurred even as a heavy police deployment was in place across the town due to an ongoing festival of the minority community.
The brazen act has raised serious questions about law and order in the district headquarters. Locals expressed shock and fear, with many shops closing early and streets wearing a deserted look by night.
Authorities have assured strict action and increased patrolling to restore normalcy. Further investigation is underway.
