The servitor, who had been shot at the busy Kakudi Khai Square near the Emar Mutt here on Tuesday evening, succumbed to the injuries at night.  

The deceased was identified as Shivaram Patra of Harachandi Taluchha Sahi in the pilgrim town.

As per reports, two bike-borne miscreants fired two rounds at Pata, just 10 metre away from the Lions’ Gate of the Shree Jagannath Temple. 

Eyewitnesses said Patra was on his way towards Bada Danda through Kakudi Khai road by his motorcycle when he was fired upon near the Emar Mutt.

The Singhadwar police shifted the wounded Patra to the District Headquarters Hospital where he was declared dead.

Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh who reached the spot to assess the situation said the prime accused in the murder named Chandan Barik was detained in connection with the incident. The weapon used in the crime was also seized.

The SP further said personal enmity is the prime motive behind the crime. Further investigation is ongoing to unearth more information.   

However, hours of the firing incident, another youth was stabbed by miscreants near Mausi Maa Temple in the pilgrim town.

The injured identified as Suryanarayan Tripathy was shifted to the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack in a critical condition.

Sources informed that past enmity was suspected to be the motive behind the crime. Police have launched a probe into the case and detained three persons.

The firing and stabbing incidents have triggered shockwaves in the holy town and residents have demanded the police to curb the surging crime rate.