Bhubaneswar, June 11: Family members of Manoranjan Behera, who was allegedly shot dead by robbers at Patanaika Square on the Puri-Bhubaneswar National Highway yesterday, suspected foul play in the incident.

Yesterday, two bike-borne goons shot Manoranjan dead and allegedly robbed Renubala Pati, who was accompanying him, of her ornaments, while they were on their way to Puri.

Manoranjan's wife Rebati Behera said that her husband was involved in tender fixing and feared for his life. They also alleged that Manoranjan had an illicit relationship with Renubala Pati for which the latter's family members might have murdered her husband.

The deceased's mother Jayanti Lata Behera seconded Rebati. According to Jayanti, it was a well-planned murder. "My son was murdered. The culprit should be put behind the bars. My son is gone, everything is gone, I want justice," said Jayanti.

Yesterday, after the incident, Renubala first claimed to be Manoranjan's wife. Later, she was found to be his distant relative.

The Puri police have detained Renubala, her husband Chandrakanta Pati and their son Biplab Pati in this connection.

According to sources, the cops are interrogating the three as they suspect that the trio are involved in the crime. Preliminary investigation suggests that the incident was a planned crime, police sources said.

"We have detained the injured woman, her husband and son to find further leads. The woman who first claimed to be the wife of the deceased was later found to be his distant relative. We have recovered two mobile phones and three SIM cards from her during the interrogation," said Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi.

Sources said the cops became suspicious after the woman gave contradictory statements. She first said the snatched chain belonged to her, later she changed her own statement and said the chain belonged to the deceased. She also said that yesterday the robbers snatched a gold bangle from her.

Man found dead

A 55-year-old man was found dead with his throat slit at Phulapali in the Barpali police station limits in Bargarh district on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Bhagwana Meher. He was sleeping on the verandah outside his house when some unidentified persons murdered him.