A Panchayat Samiti member from Bargarh district was shot dead by unidentified assailants late Thursday night on a canal road in neighbouring Subarnapur district.
Police have launched an investigation, but the motive and identity of the attackers remain unknown.
The deceased has been identified as Achyuta Nayak (also reported as Achyutananda Nayak), a Samiti member from Agalpur (Aglapur) panchayat. He was a resident of Duduka village under Barpali block in Bargarh district.
According to preliminary information, unidentified persons called Nayak on his phone and asked him to come to the Chinajuri (also referred to as Sinajori Kebat) canal road under Dunguripali block and police station limits in Subarnapur. He reached the spot in his car. As soon as he arrived, the assailants opened fire. The bullet struck him in the neck. His body was later found inside the vehicle. A spent cartridge was recovered from the car.
Nayak’s father, Sabhapati Nayak, said his son had gone out that evening after receiving a call. “At around 8 pm, someone called him and asked him to come and collect Rs 10,000. Later, while we were having dinner, he told me that he was leaving, and then he left. I don’t know that person. He called repeatedly and asked him to come quickly,” he told reporters.
Police teams from Dunguripali and Barpali police stations reached the spot after receiving information and began an investigation. Officials said they are examining call records, the recovered cartridge, and other evidence. The exact motive has not yet been established.
