Cuttack, Mar 7: In a shocking daylight incident on Friday, a shopkeeper in Cuttack district was attacked at gunpoint and robbed of cash and a gold chain. The robbery took place at Goppur under Nischintakoili police station.

The victim, Ajay Kumar Swain, owner of Pateswari Traders, was at his shop near Pansapadia Chowk when three men in a Bolero vehicle arrived. Armed with a pistol, the assailants struck Ajay with an iron chain, hitting him on the head, and forcibly took Rs. 26,000 in cash along with a gold chain from his neck.

Ajay’s screams drew locals and nearby shopkeepers, but the attackers managed to escape.

The injured shopkeeper was initially admitted to Nischintkoili Community Health Centre and later transferred to Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital due to worsening condition.

Police have launched an investigation, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined. The authorities are continuing the probe to track down the culprits.