Keonjhar/Patana, September 29: A businessman was allegedly shot and robbed of his cash bag near Bhimapada forest on the Kendeipashi–Patana road in Keonjhar district late Monday night. The incident resulted in the death of 42-year-old businessman Trilochan Mahanta. His wife, Tulasi Mahanta, is reportedly working as a constable at Patana Police Station.
According to reports, Trilochan Mahanta was running a Jana Seva Kendra and banking service centre on the Balanipashi road near Kendeipashi market. At around 10:20 PM on Monday, he closed his shop and was returning home carrying a cash bag.Near the forest area on the border of the Patana and Turumunga police station jurisdictions, some miscreants allegedly intercepted him and attempted to rob him of the money. When Trilochan resisted, the attackers allegedly fired at him and also assaulted him with a sharp-edged weapon.
The miscreants then reportedly fled with his cash bag.His scooter was also found at the spot. After receiving information about the incident, police from Patana and Turumunga, along with senior officers, reached the location and launched an investigation.Trilochan was rescued in a critical condition and taken to Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital in Keonjhar, where doctors declared him dead.
Following the incident, police launched a search operation and cordoned off the area. A scientific team was called to collect evidence from the crime scene. Police are investigating the exact motive behind the killing, the amount of money allegedly looted, and the number of people involved in the incident.
