Bhubaneswar, Dec. 8: A 32-year-old betel shopkeeper was shot dead in his house late last night by goons at Raghunath Nagar in Dumduma on the outskirts of the city. Police suspect rivalry to be the reason behind the murder.

The deceased, identified as Sangram Mallick, a betel shop owner in Dumduma, had earlier been arrested in several cases, including murder. He was allegedly involved in selling illegal liquor in the area. He had come out of jail on bail only two days ago.

Sources said that last night while Sangram was sleeping with his wife and two children in his room, thugs fired at his head through the window.

The incident occurred around 2am. A bullet pierced his head and he died instantly. Khandagiri police have detained three members of a family, as they suspect that one of the family members was involved in the incident.

Gopabandhu Mallick, who was an eyewitness, said three youths came to his betel shop and woke him up asking for cold drinks.

“After I woke up, they pointed a revolver at me and asked me to show them Sangram’s house. When I pleaded with them to spare me, they threatened to kill me. I followed their instructions and took them to the room where Sangram was sleeping. They fired one shot from a revolver at him in my presence,” said Gopabandhu.

He identified one of the suspects as Arjun Das, 40, brother of one Trinath Das. Sangram had a quarrel with Trinath a few days ago. After the incident, they asked Gopabandhu to leave the place. They left on two motorbikes.

“I ran to a nearby house and informed them about the incident.” The cops were then informed.

Hearing a bang, Sangram’s family members woke up and found him lying on the floor. “He had been shot in the head. We gave him some water and he died there,” said a family member.

The Khandagiri police took Sangram to hospital where he was declared brought dead. In the morning, a scientific and forensic team went to the spot for investigation and collection of fingerprints. The police seized a used bullet from the room.

Sources said Sangram and his family had been staying in a relative’s house for the past few months as their own house was under construction in the area.

Inspector in charge of Khandagiri police station Sanjeev Satpathy said: “The deceased had rivalry with many people in the area. According to information received from the eyewitness, we have launched a manhunt to arrest Arjun and others. We are questioning Arjun’s relatives. All the accused will be arrested soon,” said Satpathy.