In a shocking incident stemming from a one-sided love affair, a village meeting in Odisha’s Gajapati district escalated into gunfire, leaving one man injured and the perpetrator arrested after a brief chase.
The event unfolded in Dhepasahi village under Mohana police station, highlighting the dangers of unresolved romantic disputes in rural communities.
According to reports, Santosh Pradhan, alias Lajara, had been harbouring unrequited feelings for a young woman from the same village. Several days prior, he had forcefully abducted her, prompting her family to search for her, rescue her, and arrange her marriage to someone else to protect her. However, when the woman returned to the village for a visit, Pradhan attempted to exploit the situation once more. He allegedly abducted her again and hid her in a house, leading to another rescue by her family.
To resolve the ongoing feud, villagers organised a community meeting on January 5, 2026. Tensions boiled over during the discussion when Pradhan, armed with a gun, opened fire. The bullet struck Anil Kumar Karad, a local youth, in his right leg. Karad was immediately rushed to Chandragiri CHC for treatment. Due to the bullet remaining lodged in his leg, he was later transferred to Brahmapur for advanced care.
Following a written complaint from the victim’s family, Mohana police swiftly responded. Officers pursued and apprehended Pradhan as he attempted to flee into the nearby jungle. He was arrested under Case No. 2/26, and an investigation has been initiated, as confirmed by Station Officer Basant Kumar Sethy.
This incident underscores the need for better intervention in personal disputes in remote areas, where such matters can quickly turn violent. Authorities are probing the source of the firearm and any potential accomplices, while the community reels from the disruption to their peaceful village life.
