Berhampur: A youth, suspected to have links with Maoists, has been shot dead and his cousin injured by security personnel at Khuntunibada village in Gajapati district, about 90 km from here, police said today.
Central Reserve Police Force and state police personnel were on a routine combing operation in the area under Panigarh gram panchayat when they spotted the duo late last night, inspector in-charge of Adaba police station Karbat Kiro said.
He claimed that the two persons had fired at the police team, prompting the security personnel to retaliate.
One of them, identified as Junesh Badaraita (27), died on the spot, while his cousin Karniel Badaraita (32) sustained bullet injuries, he said.
The injured, who was admitted to MKCG medical college hospital here, denied having any links with Maoists and claimed that they were searching their missing cow with the help of a torch when security personnel fired at them.
Meanwhile, locals blocked road traffic at Adaba along with the body of the deceased accusing the police of killing an "innocent" person.
