Murder Accused Injured In Police Encounter In Odisha’s Rourkela

Rourkela: A day after he allegedly shot dead a man over land dispute in Jhirpani area of Odisha’s Rourkela, the accused sustained injuries in an encounter with the police early on Monday.

According to sources the accused, identified as Ajit Oram alias Chunu, was being chased by a police team when he opened fire. As the police team retaliated, Chunu was injured in the exchange of fire that ensued in Raghunathpalli area in the wee hours.

The accused was caught by the police and taken to Rourkela Government Hospital (RHG) for treatment. His condition is stated to be stable, sources said.

A man, identified as Banchanidhi Tanti (42) was allegedly shot dead by Chunu at Jharitola Basti under Jhiripani police limits of Rourkela on Sunday. Chunu had fired at Banchanidhi, when he attempted to encroach on some government land where the latter had built houses and rented them out. Banchanidhi died while undergoing treatment at hospital.

Locals had blocked Koel Nagar–Jhiripani main road for around two hours, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and arrest of the accused.

Two police teams had been formed and raids were conducted to nab Chunu.

It is also alleged that the accused ran a racket and sold some government land after encroaching on them.