Subarnapur, Sept. 11 (UDN): A local elected representative was found shot dead inside his car along a canal road in Subarnapur district on Friday morning, sparking tension in the area and prompting a police investigation.

The deceased has been identified as Achyuta Nayak, a Samiti member of Agalpur panchayat. His body was recovered from his car parked along the Chinajuri canal road under Dunguripali block.

According to police and family members, Nayak, who hailed from Kebada village under Barpali block of neighbouring Bargarh district, had left home in his car on Thursday night for some work in the Dunguripali area.

His vehicle was found by the roadside near the canal on Friday morning. When locals noticed the car and alerted the authorities, police reached the spot and found Nayak lying on the driver’s seat with multiple bullet wounds. Blood stains were also reportedly found inside the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, and police have not yet established a definite motive.

Teams from Dunguripali and Barpali police stations reached the scene and began collecting evidence. Given the seriousness of the case, the Superintendents of Police of both Subarnapur and Bargarh districts also visited the crime scene.

Investigators are examining several possible angles, including personal rivalry and political enmity, while attempting to reconstruct Nayak’s movements before the incident. Police are also examining evidence gathered from the vehicle and the surrounding area to identify the circumstances and persons responsible for the killing.

The incident has triggered concern across the Agalpur, Barpali and Dunguripali areas. Former minister Rita Sahu, along with local BJD leaders and block representatives, also visited the spot following the incident.

Police said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.