Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: A youth was arrested following a late-night gunfire incident in Bhawanipatna town of Kalahandi district, allegedly triggered by a dispute over construction contract work.

The accused has been identified as Yasobanta Nayak. According to police sources, tensions flared during a verbal altercation between Nayak and another youth connected to the contract dispute. The argument soon escalated, with Nayak allegedly brandishing a country-made firearm and pointing it at his rival.

In a dramatic turn, a bystander reportedly intervened and deflected the weapon just as Nayak attempted to fire. The gun discharged a blank shot, with the bullet going into the air, averting what could have been a serious injury or fatality at the scene.

Acting swiftly on information, police from Bhawanipatna Town Police Station launched a raid, apprehended the accused, and seized illegal weapons from his possession.

Briefing mediapersons, Kalahandi Superintendent of Police Nagaraj Devarakonda said two country-made guns and four live rounds of ammunition were recovered. He confirmed that the accused did not possess any valid firearm license. Police have initiated further investigation into the case.

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