Anugola: An altercation over a trivial issue became violent when a retired Army personnel allegedly shot dead a 37-year-old man in Anugola district on Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred near Nimbachhak in Bantala village, barely a kilometre from the local police station.

The deceased has been identified as Sushant Pradhan, alias Kalia, of Bantala village.

According to reports, an altercation broke out between Pradhan and retired Army personnel Prakash Sahu, also from the same village, near Nimbachhak at around 7 p.m. over an unspecified issue. The argument subsequently escalated, with both men allegedly attacking each other.

During the confrontation, Sahu allegedly became enraged and fired at Pradhan with his licensed firearm. The bullet struck Pradhan in the chest, causing him to collapse at the spot.

On being informed, Bantala police reached the scene and rushed Pradhan to the Bantala Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead.

The accused allegedly fled the spot after leaving behind the firearm used in the shooting.

Senior police officials reached the scene and launched an investigation into the incident. The exact motive behind the firing is yet to be ascertained.