Phulbani: A man was left battling for life after he was shot at by a neighbour over a land dispute at Baghapadar village under Gochapada police limits in Kandhamal district.
The elderly man sustained two bullets — one on his chest and the other on his left hand. He was identified as Dibakar Kanhar.
Family members rescued the victim in a critical condition and admitted him to the local hospital. Later, he was shifted to the Phulbani-based district headquarters hospital (DHH) for further treatment as his condition deteriorated.
Based on a complaint by Kanhar’s son, police have also launched a probe. However, no arrest was made in this connection while the filing of this report.
According to sources, a rift prevailed between Kanhar and his distant cousin over a land dispute. Earlier, the accused had threatened to eliminate Kanhar on several occasions.
While Kanhar was sleeping on a cot in the verandah of his house Sunday, the accused shot at him and fled. Hearing the sound of firing, family members rushed the spot and spotted him lying in a pool of blood. They rushed Kanhar to the hospital.
Meanwhile, rumours are afloat that the attack was fallout over suspected sorcery practice by Kanhar.
PNN
