Bhubaneswar: Two youths were arrested on Sunday in connection with a shootout on February 24 in which a businessman was injured at Patrapada on the city outskirts.

Police said robbery was the motive behind the crime in which Sachitra Indrajit, 42, had received two bullet injuries.

The accused have been identified as Bikash Kumar Behera, 30, a native of Nayagarh and Papi Pradhan, 25, a native of Khurda district. Police have seized a pistol, three live bullets and three empty magazines from them.

Deputy commissioner of police Anup Kumar Sahoo said the accused had fired with a motive of robbery. He said: "The accused had used a Bolero vehicle without number plate and snatched away three mobile phones of the victim. They had also tried to flee with the motorcycle of the victim but failed."

The police said investigation had revealed Behera was involved in eight similar cases in Khurda and Nayagarh districts while Pradhan was involved in two similar cases in Nayagarh. The police said they were further verifying their antecedents.

Firing for robbery has emerged as a concern for police and residents. "Goons firing at will and to rob people is a disturbing trend. Police should take strong action to prevent petty criminals from procuring firearms," said Nirankar Samal, a city resident.