10 held for attack on Odisha minister

Two to three people fired at Maheswar Mohanty in Puri town, on Friday night.

As many as 10 people were held in connection with the attack on Odisha's Law Minister Maheswar Mohanty in Puri town Friday night, an official said Monday.

"We have detained 10 people for questioning," Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar Sahoo told IANS.

The vehicle used in the crime was seized and police were trying to ascertain the reason behind the attack, he said.

Mohanty, 57, who also holds the portfolios of tourism, culture, planning, and coordination, was injured after being shot at by unknown assailants Feb 21 at his home town Puri, 55 km from here.

Two to three people fired at him when he was returning home on his bike. The minister sustained multiple injuries in hand and waist and is now recuperating at Kalinga hospital in the state capital.

The condition of the minister has improved but is not stable, hospital's managing director R.K. Padhi said.

The minister's son Sunil Mohanty lodged an FIR Sunday.