Assailants open fire at accused in court, 3 hurt

BHUBANESWAR, OCT 19: Three persons were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them inside the premises of the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate’s (SDJM) court here today, according to police. Police said that two accused, now on bail for their alleged involvement in a murder case, were fired upon by the miscreants even as the court was about to start proceedings.

As soon as the shots rang out, the two victims, Tikan Jena and Khokan Jena, ran towards the portico of the court building where they were struck by bullets. Both were injured in the head and chest while a third victim, an employee of the court, was hit by a bullet on the leg.

The assailants fled the scene immediately as panic spread in the area with people running helter skelter. The three were taken to the capital hospital here for treatment.

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The two Jenas, who had come to appear before the court in connection with the case, were later shifted to the S.C.B. Medical College hospital, Cuttack as their condition turned critical.

Police found a countrymade pistol from the court premises and seized an abandoned Maruti Gypsy which was suspected to have been used in the crime.

Senior police officials immediately rushed to the spot to conduct investigations.