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In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of a
thriller movie, notorious gangster Anant Pattnaik was chased and gunned down in
the middle of a road near Bandhaguda High School under Sheragada police station
limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district late on Wednesday night.
The Chase and the Killing
According to reports, Anant was traveling on
a motorcycle with two associates when an SUV, identified as a Bolero, began
pursuing them. The vehicle managed to overtake their bike, bringing it to a
halt. Moments later, a man from the SUV opened fire, killing Anant on the spot.
The unexpected attack left his two associates stunned, and they immediately
fled the scene, abandoning their leader.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, which
sent waves of panic through the area. By the time locals gathered the courage
to step out, the assailants had disappeared, leaving Anant's lifeless body in
the middle of the road.
Police Investigation
Upon receiving information about the
incident, police personnel from the Sheragada police station rushed to the spot
to secure the area and begin an investigation. Anant's body was sent to the
Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sheragada for a post-mortem examination.
Authorities promptly informed his family, who were reportedly shocked by the news.
The police are now working to identify the
culprits behind the daring murder, which they suspect may have been
orchestrated as an act of revenge or a result of gang rivalry.
A Life of Crime
Anant Pattnaik, a native of Aska in Ganjam
district, had a long history of criminal activities spanning over 15 years. His
name was synonymous with fear across the region, as he was involved in several
heinous crimes, including murder, attempted murder, bombings, armed robbery,
and dacoity.
With cases registered against him in at least
10 police stations, Anant was a high-priority target for law enforcement
agencies. His notoriety also extended to the national level, as he was
reportedly involved in cases under the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Despite multiple attempts by the police to capture him, Anant managed to evade
arrest time and again, cementing his reputation as one of the most wanted
criminals in Odisha.
The Impact of the Killing
News of Anant's death spread rapidly, leaving
the local community both relieved and shocked. While many viewed his killing as
the end of a reign of terror, others expressed concerns about the brazenness of
the attack, which unfolded in a public space.
The manner of his killing has raised
questions about whether this was an extrajudicial act or the culmination of
rival gang warfare. Local sources suggest that Anant may have made powerful
enemies within the criminal underworld, leading to his assassination.
A Message for the Criminal Underworld
Anant’s death serves as a stark reminder of
the volatile and dangerous nature of the criminal underworld. For years, he had
successfully evaded capture, using his influence and network to stay one step
ahead of the law. However, his violent end underscores the eventual price of a
life built on crime.
The police have intensified their
investigation into the murder, focusing on identifying those behind the SUV and
the motives for the killing. Authorities are also examining whether Anant's
criminal activities or recent disputes may have triggered this fatal encounter.
Closing Thoughts
While the law enforcement agencies continue
to probe the case, the public remains divided over the incident. Some see it as
poetic justice for a criminal who caused immense suffering, while others are
uneasy about the lawlessness displayed in such a high-profile killing.
As Ganjam tries to come to terms with this
shocking incident, one thing is clear—Anant Pattnaik’s dramatic end will remain
etched in the region's memory for years to come.