Balasore: A businessman was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants at Adar market under Sahadevkhunta Police Station limits in Balasore district on Thursday, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Sheikh Hamid, a local businessman.
According to preliminary reports, two miscreants arrived at the market on a motorcycle and opened fire at Hamid. The attackers allegedly fired around eight rounds before fleeing the spot.
Hamid sustained critical gunshot injuries and was immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Balasore for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
The incident triggered panic in the busy Adar market area, with locals gathering at the scene soon after the shooting.
Police personnel from Sahadevkhunta Police Station reached the spot and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to identify and trace the assailants.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and investigators are examining all possible angles, including business rivalry and personal enmity.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
