A shocking murder unfolded near Kali Megha in Jajpur town late Monday night when 23-year-old businessman Soumyarajan Samal was shot dead.
The incident occurred close to the residence of former MLA Pranab Prakash Das, sparking panic in the locality.
Soumyarajan, son of Pradeep Samal of Kuansarpur village, had closed his business establishment and was returning home around 11:30 pm on his scooter. Instead of heading directly home, he stopped at a roadside parking area. Police suspect that someone familiar to him called him to the spot.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a gunshot before rushing to find Saumyarajan lying in a pool of blood. The bullet struck his abdomen. Locals immediately shifted him to the district hospital, and later to Cuttack SCB Medical College in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Jajpur Town Police, led by IIC Sharata Kumar Nayak, cordoned off the crime scene and launched an investigation. A scientific team examined the site early Tuesday morning. District SP Yaspratap Srimal directed the formation of three special teams to track down the killers.
Investigators suspect the murder may have stemmed from either a love affair or financial dealings. Police sources indicated that the assailants were known to the victim and deliberately lured him to the secluded spot.
