In a swift crackdown, Jajpur police arrested two youths involved in a brazen shooting at a busy travel ticket booking counter on Jajpur Road on Wednesday evening.
The accused, Micheal Santosh (22) of Purvakot village and Santosh Pradhan (23) of Mundamal village, reportedly fired shots during a heated dispute over a train ticket refund at the counter owned by Debdatta Panda. They were apprehended late Wednesday night while hiding at a relative’s home.
According to Jajpur SP Yashpratap Srimal, both youths have prior criminal links in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and investigations are ongoing to assess their activities in Odisha. Police seized the pistol used in the crime, four unfired bullets, a numberless motorcycle, and a mobile phone during the arrest.
Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage revealed that Micheal Santosh, enraged by the delayed refund, opened fire before fleeing the scene with Pradhan on a motorcycle. Timely CCTV analysis and tips from informants led police to their hideout, where they were arrested without resistance.
A case has been registered at Jajpur Road police station (No. 619/2025) under Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act, along with IPC Sections 296, 351(3), 308, and 109/3(5). Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in Bhusandpur, a town rapidly developing into an industrial hub. Recent months have seen gold shop heists, daily chain-snatching incidents, murders, and rampant drug peddling, raising fears among residents about rising criminal activity.
