Keonjhar, May 18: Armed miscreants looted ₹8.18 lakh meant for pension distribution from two government officials in broad daylight near Bauripada Panchayat office in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Monday.

According to reports, the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) and Assistant Development Extension Officer (ADEO) of Bauripada Panchayat had withdrawn the cash from an HDFC Bank branch in Keonjhar at around 9:45 am and were heading towards the panchayat office on a bike.

Sources said a black Pulsar motorcycle carrying three unidentified youths had been following them. Near Mukuna Bazaar under Sadar police limits, the accused intercepted the officials and demanded the cash bags.

When the officials resisted, the miscreants allegedly brandished a firearm and fired a round in the air, creating panic in the area. The robbers then snatched two bags containing ₹8.18 lakh and fled towards Belda. The accused were reportedly speaking in Hindi and Bengali.

The robbers also allegedly took away the PEO’s scooter while escaping from the spot.

Following the incident, the officials informed the Sadar BDO over phone and later lodged a written complaint at Keonjhar Sadar Police Station. Police have launched an investigation and intensified efforts to trace the accused.