Rayagada: A youth who was allegedly abducted after a firing incident in Odisha’s Rayagada town was later found dead near the Nagavali river at Tumbiguda, police said on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Nikhil Hadipa, a resident of the Reli Sahi area in Rayagada town.

According to reports, the incident took place at Indira Nagar 3rd Line in Rayagada late on Saturday night. A group of unidentified miscreants allegedly opened fire and abducted Nikhil before fleeing towards the Ring Road area.

Locals said a few youths had chased Nikhil around 10 pm using a motorcycle and a four-wheeler. An argument reportedly broke out between the two sides. During the confrontation, the accused allegedly fired shots as Nikhil tried to escape in fear.

The youth ran into a nearby house to save himself, but the attackers allegedly dragged him out and forcibly took him away.

Nikhil’s body was later recovered near the Nagavali River close to Tumbiguda.

A scientific team reached the spot early in the morning and launched an investigation. Police have also recovered a used cartridge case from the crime scene.

Preliminary investigation suggests that previous enmity could be the reason behind the murder, though police are probing all possible angles.