CUTTACK: A contractor and office-bearer of the College Square Puja Committee was shot dead by unidentified miscreants here on Tuesday evening.
The contractor, Rabindra Lenka (40), was standing in the vicinity of the Puja Committee office at College Square when motorcycle-borne miscreants opened fire on him. Hit in the stomach and chest, he collapsed on the ground and died on the spot. Locals rushed him to SCB Medical College and Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
Though the reason behind the daring killing is yet to be ascertained, it is believed to be a fallout of business rivalry. Apart from taking works on contract from different government agencies and departments, Lenka, a resident of Patra Sahi, is also reported to be involved in scrap business. Extortion is also pressed as another angle in the killing.
Police have registered a case even as the killing has fuelled tension in the area.
The Puja Committee announced a ‘bandh’ on Wednesday protesting against the killing while demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.