Kolkata, 07 October (H.S.): A 15-year-old student sustained critical injuries after being shot in broad daylight on Wednesday morning in Kharagpur town of Paschim Medinipur district. The victim has been identified as Akshay Jha. He suffered a bullet wound to his chest and was subsequently referred to a hospital in Kolkata as his condition deteriorated.

According to police sources, the incident occurred near Gitanjali Hall in the Old Settlement area under Ward No. 20. Akshay was riding pillion on a motorcycle when two bike-borne assailants intercepted them and opened fire. Akshay collapsed onto the road bleeding profusely, while the attackers fled the scene. Alerted by the gunfire, local residents rushed to the spot and evacuated him to the Kharagpur Sub-Divisional Hospital. Doctors there referred him to a hospital in Kolkata for advanced medical treatment after his condition worsened.

Paschim Medinipur Superintendent of Police (SP) Papiya Sultana stated that a search operation has been launched to nab the culprits. Five persons have been detained on suspicion and are currently being interrogated, she said, adding that the motive behind the shooting is yet to be ascertained. Further investigation into the case is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh