Puri, June 24: In a major breakthrough in the sensational murder of hotel owner Pavitra Nayak that sent shockwaves across Puri, Baliapanda Police on Wednesday injured the prime accused, Chandan Palar, in an encounter operation conducted within hours of the crime.

According to police sources, Chandan, a resident of Chakratirtha Road in Puri, was attempting to flee after allegedly murdering Nayak late Tuesday night. Acting on intelligence inputs, police launched a chase and intercepted him near a forested area close to Matamath.

During the operation, the accused reportedly tried to escape, prompting police to open fire. A bullet struck Chandan in his left leg, leaving him injured. He was immediately taken into custody and shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Puri for treatment.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder stemmed from business rivalry linked to the hotel trade. Pavitra Nayak, who owned the well-known ‘Manorama’ hotel in the Baliapanda area, was allegedly targeted over commercial disputes. Police said evidence gathered during the initial probe pointed to Chandan’s direct involvement in the killing.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed at the hospital after family members and relatives of the deceased reached the facility upon learning that the accused had been admitted there. The situation became tense when they saw the accused undergoing treatment.

To prevent any law-and-order issues, the Superintendent of Police (SP), Puri, personally visited the hospital and held discussions with the victim’s family members, urging them to remain calm.

Security has been tightened at both the hospital and the crime scene, while Baliapanda Police continue their investigation into the high-profile murder case.