Paralakhemundi: Police have arrested the prime accused, Lajar Pradhan, in connection with a shooting incident linked to a love affair at Dhepasahi village under Chandragiri police limits in Gajapati district.
Police have seized a pistol from his possession, while a three-member scientific team from Paralakhemundi visited the village and recovered three empty cartridges from the scene.
According to police, the incident stemmed from a one-sided love affair. Lajar Pradhan and his elder brother Santosh Pradhan allegedly planned and carried out the shooting together. During interrogation, Lajar reportedly confessed that he had purchased the seized pistol for ₹15,000 from another state. Police officials said the seizure and forensic findings have strengthened the case.
The victim of the firing, Anil Kumar Karad, a relative of the girl involved, sustained a bullet injury to his right leg. He was first admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Chandragiri in critical condition and later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police sources said Lajar Pradhan had earlier forcibly abducted the girl from the same village. After the family traced her and brought her back, they married her off elsewhere to prevent further harassment. However, a few days later, when the girl returned to her parental home, Lajar allegedly abducted her again and kept her confined in a house.
On learning about the incident, the girl’s family rescued her and convened a village meeting in an attempt to resolve the matter amicably. During the meeting, tensions flared, and Santosh Pradhan allegedly opened fire, hitting Anil Kumar Karad in the leg.
Following the incident, police registered a case and launched an investigation. Lajar Pradhan has been produced before the court, while his elder brother Santosh Pradhan, who is accused of firing the shot, remains absconding.
Police said further details are likely to emerge once the absconding accused is arrested.
