Sambalpur: A dreaded criminal sustained serious bullet injuries in his left leg after police allegedly opened controlled fire in self-defence during an interception in Odisha’s Sambalpur district early Sunday, officials said.
The incident took place near Sudunga Forest on Canal Road under Sadar Police Station area in the district.
According to police, the 36-year-old injured criminal, Md. Irfan is a resident of Sonapali under Dhanupalli police station area of Sambalpur district.
The accused is allegedly involved in more than 24 criminal cases registered at different police stations in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and other neighbouring districts. The cases include dacoity, robbery, aluminium wire theft, burglary and narcotics-related offences.
Irfan and his two associates, identified as Md Arman (28) of Ainthapali area and Deepak Kumar (20) of Sonapali area, were travelling on a black Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle bearing registration number OD15 AB 3674 when they were intercepted by the patrolling team of Sadar Police Station at around 5:45 am, police added.
The police sources also claimed that the accused persons were on their way to commit a theft of wires in a nearby place under the Sadar Police Station area.
The police team apprehended two of the accused, while Irfan allegedly fled from the spot. During the escape, he reportedly opened fire at the police personnel, following which the team resorted to controlled firing in self-defence, police said.
According to police, Irfan fired three rounds from his country-made pistol, while the police team fired two rounds. Accused Irfan sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg and was immediately shifted to VIMSAR Medical College, Burla in Sambalpur, for treatment. A pistol, ammunition and three empty cartridges were recovered from the spot, while the motorcycle allegedly used by the accused persons was also seized, police said.
The Sambalpur Police also stated that further investigation into the incident is currently underway.
It is worth noting that the Director General of Police, Odisha, Vinaytosh Mishra, recently directed the cops across the state to take proactive steps against anti-social elements to maintain law and order during the upcoming festive season.
IANS
