Bhubaneswar, June 11: A notorious criminal was injured in a police encounter in Bhadrak district during the early hours of Thursday after he allegedly opened fire on a police team attempting to apprehend him. Three police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), a constable and a police inspector, also sustained injuries during the operation.

The injured criminal has been identified as Papu Mallick, a known offender with multiple cases reportedly registered against him. He sustained a bullet injury to his right leg and was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.

According to police sources, the encounter took place around 3:30 am in the Nuasahi forest area near Law College under Bhadrak Rural police station limits. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police teams from Bhadrak Sadar, Rural and Puruna Bazar police stations launched a joint operation under the direction of Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout.

During the raid, Papu and an associate allegedly arrived on a Pulsar motorcycle carrying a firearm and other weapons. When police attempted to intercept them, Papu reportedly fired two rounds at the team. In retaliation and self-defence, police opened fire, striking him in the leg.

While Papu was overpowered and arrested, his associate managed to escape from the scene. A scientific team led by officer Sangeeta Hasda later visited the spot and began a detailed investigation.

Police recovered a country-made firearm and two live 9 mm cartridges from the site. The area remains under heavy security as efforts continue to trace the absconding associate and uncover further details related to the case.

Powered by Froala Editor