Bhubaneswar: Unidentified goons shot at a college student near Tankapani Road in Saheed Nagar police limits on Sunday afternoon.

Family members of Sushant Bhoi, 20, a Plus Three final year arts student at Balakati College, alleged that students' union polls scheduled to be held next month was the reason behind the attack.

One of his family members said the youth left home on his motorcycle in the afternoon after receiving a call.

"Later, we were informed that he suffered bullet injuries on his back and right leg. We immediately rushed him to Capital Hospital from where we shifted him to a private hospital at Saheed Nagar," said Ranjit Samal, Bhoi's cousin.

An eyewitness said the four accused who shot at the youth came in a car and escaped from the spot immediately after firing four rounds. Later, police commissioner Satyajit Mohanty visited the scene of the crime.

While the cops suspected robbery as the motive behind the incident, his family members ruled out that angle.

"His motorcycle was found from the spot. However, his mobile phone could not be traced and remained switched off. If the accused have a motive of robbery of motorcycle then why would they take away the mobile phone," added Ranjit.

Sources said that Bhoi, being a local student, used to get involved in students' union elections.

"Though he had not contested in the students' union polls last year, he was very active in college politics. We suspect that this might be the reason behind the firing incident," said a friend of the student, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Doctors said the victim's condition was critical because of loss of blood. The doctors are waiting for the X-Ray report to ascertain whether the bullets pierced any vital organ.

"A team of police officers is trying to identify the accused and nab them. We are also looking into all possible angles leading to the crime," said assistant commissioner of police Kishore Chandra Mund.