Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: A senior member of the Sri Jagannath Temple Management Committee and Biju Janata Dal ward councillor from Puri, Tallahchu Bhagaban Mohapatra, 45, was shot dead this evening by an unidentified goon.

Police believe land dispute is behind the incident that took place around 6.30pm when Mohapatra was at the Panhuati Jaga Ghara (traditional place of wrestling) at Bali Sahi.

Sources said that after visiting the Sri Jagannath temple, he was about to return home.

But he changed his mind after getting a call and came to the Jaga Ghara. Some people followed him to the Jaga Ghara.

When Mohapatra came out of the Jaga Ghara to attend to nature’s call, he was shot at point blank range and died instantly. The shooter fled immediately after the incident.

Sources said the police had already identified the killer but were yet to arrest him.

In the past, the accused had enjoyed a good rapport with Mohapatra.

But they had drifted apart after Mohapatra became successful.

As tension prevailed in the area following the shooting, police rushed to Bali Sahi.

Sources said the holy town had been witnessing law and order problems for the past two years and most of the cases were related to disputes over land .

“Though we have drawn the attention of the police and administration, no steps have been taken by them as yet to restore peace,” said Shankarshan Parida, a Congress leader.