Police have arrested two youths in connection with a brazen shooting at a crowded travel ticket booking counter on Jajpur Road’s bustling roadside on Wednesday evening.
The incident stemmed from a heated argument over refunding the train ticket money
The accused, identified as Micheal Santosh (22), son of Micheal Nagar from Purvakot village under Korei police station, and Santosh Pradhan (23), son of Ranita Pradhan from Mundamal village under Jajpur Road police station, were nabbed late Wednesday night while hiding at a relative’s home.
According to Jajpur SP Yashpratap Srimal, the duo has a criminal history linked to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with ongoing probes into their activities in Odisha.
Police recovered a pistol used in the crime, along with four unfired bullets, a numberless motorcycle, and a mobile phone from the suspects’ possession. The SP praised the rapid response, particularly the roles of Jajpur Road police station officers and the SDPO, in apprehending the duo just hours after the incident.
Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage paint a chaotic picture: Micheal Santosh, enraged over the delayed refund at the counter owned by Debdatta Panda, allegedly fired shots before fleeing the scene on a bike with his accomplice, Santosh Pradhan. Interrogations of the complainant and Panda, aided by CCTV analysis, quickly led investigators to the suspects. A tip-off from police informants pinpointed their hideout at Pradhan’s sister’s residence, where they were arrested without resistance.
A case has been registered at Jajpur Road police station (No. 619/2025) under Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act, along with IPC Sections 296, 351(3), 308, and 109/3(5). The accused were produced in court on Thursday evening and remanded to judicial custody.
This shooting is the latest in a string of crimes plaguing Bhusandpur (formerly Amravati), a town rapidly transforming into an industrial hub with multiple factories. Residents fear it’s becoming a magnet for criminals.
In recent months, two major gold shop heists have netted significant loot, while chain-snatching incidents occur daily. Two murders in the vicinity have added to the unease. Compounding the issues, locals report rampant drug peddling and open grounds turned into notorious drug dens.
