Ranjit Jal, the injured driver, at a hospital. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, March 3: A groom luckily escaped while the driver of his car was seriously injured last night when unidentified men opened fire at a marriage procession in Balasingha village under Kisinda police station, 80 km from here.

Injured Ranjit Jal (19), a resident Loisingh village, 25km away from Balasingha, was admitted to the Veer Surendra Sai Medical College and Hospital. His condition was stated to be critical.

Sources said Ranjit was driving the groom’s vehicle. “The unidentified anti-socials targeted the groom. But the bullet somehow missed the target and injured Ranjit instead,” said his brother Sanjeev Jal.

Villagers said it was a case of one-sided love affair in which the “lover” of the bride wanted to kill the groom.

Sources also informed the groom was threatened over phone by unknown person not to marry the girl.

After the incident, the injured was rushed to the Sambalpur Headquarters Hospital from where he was later shifted to the V.S.S. Medical College and Hospital.

“Ranjit’s condition is critical and he is yet to be operated,” said his uncle Sudarsan Deep. His family members informed that a surgery will be conducted on him tomorrow.

A case has been registered in Kisinda police station in connection with the incident. No one, however, has been arrested so far.