Balasore: Two youths were critically injured in a late-night firing incident at Arada Bazar area under Sahadevkhunta police limits in Balasore district on Monday night, triggering panic among residents.The injured have been identified as Manoj Kumar Sahu alias Gedu and Kartik Prasad alias Muna of Nuabazar area. According to sources, the incident took place following a heated argument within a group that led to gunfire.One of the victims sustained a bullet injury on his left hand, while the other was shot in the back. Both were initially admitted to the district headquarters hospital in Balasore. However, as their condition deteriorated they were later shifted to Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital for advance treatment.On receiving information, Sahadevkhunta police rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation. The accused reportedly fled the scene immediately after the firing. Police sources suspect that the incident may have been linked to an illicit love affair.Balasore City DSP Nirmala Gochhayat said the incident was not linked to any group clash or previous enmity. “It was an internal dispute among members of a group that led to the firing. There is no communal angle involved. The accused will be arrested soon,” she said.Police have identified the involvement of multiple persons in the incident, and efforts are on to apprehend them.
