One Alok Jena alias Kalia (30) of Bindhanima village under the Tigiria police station was shot dead by a group of miscreants on Sunday evening.
According to sources, Alok, who was engaged in money lending business, had invested money in a nearby roadside eatery and was taking interest regularly. About 15 days ago, when Alok demanded his principal amount from owner of the eatery Chhabi Sahoo, the latter declined to pay which led to an altercation between the duo.
Now, the needle of suspicion is on Chhabi. The Tigiria police have detained him and another Tapu Khatua, said IIC Tapan Kumar Rout.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, irate villagers blocked the nearby State Highway and broke asbestos roof and ransacked the furniture of Chhabi’s eatery, besides gutting a nearby liquor shop. A police force reached the spot and after discussion with the villagers managed to lift the road blockade. A fire brigade doused fire in the liquor shop.
As the situation is tense, an armed police force has been deployed in the village. Cuttack SP Gurudas Kundu visited the site and is keeping a close watch over the development.