PARADIP (ODISHA): The manager of an Andhra Pradesh-based stevedoring agency was shot dead at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district on Wednesday.
Police said Mahendra Swain, manager of Seaways Shipping and Logistics Pvt Ltd (SSL), was fired at by unidentified miscreants from a close range at Madhuban near Central School while he was going to his office.
“Four unidentified motorcycle-borne miscreants hurled petrol bombs on the Scorpio vehicle in which Swain was going to office. He was accompanied by his PSO and driver. When he tried to flee the vehicle, the miscreants fired one round which hit his neck. They then shot him at close range on his head and ear, killing him on the spot,” said a police official.
Listening to Swain screaming, locals gathered and rushed him to Biju Memorial Hospital at Atharbanki, but doctors declared him brought dead.
A team of police officials led by SP Jaynarayan Pankaj visited the spot and seized unused cartridges and the Scorpio vehicle. Police have launched a man hunt to nab the fugitives and sealed all the routes going out of Paradip town.
Officials of nearby police stations have also been alerted.
SSL officials and family members of Swain say he had previous rivalry with local stevedoring agencies and dumper associations, which could be the reason behind his murder.