Debaraj Sahu was known to be a BJD supporter BERHAMPUR: Debaraj Sahu, the former chairperson of the panchayat samiti of Beguniapad and a BJD supporter, was shot dead by unknown assailants at Sumandal in under Ganjam districts, about 50km from here, on Wednesday morning. Sahu, 52, was drinking tea at a roadside stall in his village at around 8.30am when the incident occurred. At least three miscreants opened fired at him from a close range. The assailants, who in a car, fled the spot after committing the crime. Though Sahu was immediately taken to Sumandal hospital, the doctors declared him dead. The incident has triggered panic among local residents.