Bhubaneswar, Dec. 11: Two youths were injured after a group of criminals opened fire at them by the side of the National Highway 5 near Khandagiri Square late last night.

Though police are yet to ascertain the motive behind the incident, past rivalry is suspected to be the reason.

Both the injured were rushed to Capital Hospital, from where they were referred to Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The injured have been identified as Ranjit Sethy, 25, and Bharat Sahu, 26, both natives of Jajpur district. Sethy suffered two bullet injuries, while Sahu was lucky as a bullet missed him.

But, the criminals hit his head with the pistol butt. He has received injuries on his head.

The police said that more than four rounds of bullets had been fired at the spot.

The police said a group of six persons, including the injured duo, were returning to Nayapalli after having food in a dhaba at Tamando when they got into an argument with another group near Khandagiri Square.

Later, some members of the other group opened fire, causing injuries to the two youths. The police said both the injured were working in a private firm in the city.

Deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi said the cops had detained three persons and were interrogating them to ascertain the motive behind the incident.

"The victims told us that they did not know the criminals, who had opened fire at them. We are also verifying the antecedents of the victims," said Bhoi.

Local residents, however, blamed the police for not intensifying night patrol in the area.

"The crime scene is a few hundred metres from Khandagiri police station. The area has become a safe haven for all kind of notorious activities by transgenders. The police should not allow the restaurants in the area to remain open after midnight," said local resident Asit Mohapatra.