Phulnakhara: A history-sheeter suffered bullet injuries when three motorcycle-borne miscreants opened fire at him on Telengapentha Flyover here and looted `20,000 in a broad daylight Wednesday.
Kartik Khatei (25), a resident of Samantarapur in Town police limits of Khurda, suffered bullet injuries on his thigh and undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Dasara Kanha (24), who was riding the bike, has escaped unhurt.
According to sources, the incident took place at 11am when the duo was travelling to Cuttack on a bike. The accused trio started chasing them on a Pulsar bike from Pahala area and opened fire at Kartik on the flyover. When Kartik fell off the bike after the firing, the accused snatched away the cash from him and sped away towards Cuttack.
Upon being informed, Sadar police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to SCB Medical College and Hospital. Doctors at the hospital have removed the bullet from his right thigh and said he is stated to be out of danger.
The police said Kartik is facing several criminal cases like dacoity and extortion in Khurda area. Besides, he was involved in smuggling of brown sugar.
“Prima facie, we suspect Kartik was shot at over his brown sugar smuggling or it was the handiwork of his rival gang to settle score with him, ACP in-charge of Sadar police station Devdutta Kar said, adding two teams were conducting raids in Chandikhol and Khurda area to nab the accused involved in the firing.
As Kartik had past criminal records, the police are also inquiring about his visit to Cuttack. The police detained Kanha and questioned him about their visit.
PNN
