Panic gripped Khudupatuli village under Torani Pokhari panchayat in the Dhenkikote police beat area after four armed dacoits stormed into the house of Jatindra Mahant (51) late Sunday night.
The assailants shot him in the stomach before fleeing when locals raised an alarm.
The incident occurred around 10:30 pm, when the gang forced open a side door and entered the house. One of the attackers had his face covered, while the others remained unmasked, though family members could not identify them.
Seriously injured, Jatindra was rushed first to Keonjhar hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College in Kataka for advanced treatment.
Police officials, including SDPO Pratap Chandra Tripathy, IIC Subhranshu Kumar Jena, and Beat Officer Trinath Nayak, reached the spot and launched raids at multiple locations. A scientific team also examined the crime scene, where blood stains were found.
Investigators believe the attack was a failed dacoity attempt, as the gang fled without looting after villagers gathered on hearing the gunshot. Police have registered a case and intensified searches, though the culprits remain at large.
