A day after suspected Maoists gunned down Congress leader Jiban Patnaik (55) near Sunki bordering Andhra Pradesh on Friday, police intensified combing operation in the area. However, the police were yet to confirm who killed Patnaik.
“We have seized Maoist posters written in Telugu and are investigating the case from all angles,” said IG (South-Western Range) Yashwant Jethwa on Saturday. Assailants gunned down Patnaik near Sunki in the Pottangi area at around 8 pm while he was standing outside his house, said Jethwa.
Around five to seven people in plainclothes reached Patnaik’s house and indiscriminately opened fire at him from close range. The Congress leader was instantly killed. Taking advantage of the darkness, the attackers fled from the spot. According to a police officer, the modus operandi of the attack suggests involvement of Maoists, but it is yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the last rites of Patnaik were performed at his village.