Criminal Involved In PCR Van Bombing Case Nabbed After Encounter

Cuttack: The criminal involved in the recent PCR van bombing case was arrested after a brief exchange of fire with police here on Sunday night.

The accused has been identified as Uttam Singh alias Kabo of Kurunti.

Sadar police station inspector-in-charge Sudhansu Bhusan Jena received information about Singh being seen near RK Villa of Kothapatana Mouza and directed assistant sub-inspector Ashok Kumar Patra to go after the criminal.

Accordingly, Patra along with officers of special squad proceeded to the spot. When the police team reached the place, they found the accused moving in the area. Seeing the cops approaching near him, Singh started running. He later took out a pistol and fired on the police personnel, who retaliated. The criminal sustained bullet injury on his left thigh.

A 9 MM pistol, two live ammunition, three empty cartridges and a mobile phone were seized from his possession.

On Friday night, two police personnel were injured after unidentified miscreants hurled bombs on a PCR van at Kurunti village under Sadar police limits here.

They were immediately rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital here.

The police team had gone to the village after being informed about bombs being thrown at contractor Alokendu Das’ house.

A couple of days back, the accused had demanded Rs 50,000 from Das over construction of a house in the locality. However, he refused to give the money. Irked over which the criminals barged into his house and demanded Rs 1 lakh by brandishing a gun and later hurled bombs.