Bhadrak: A notorious criminal was injured in an encounter with police during an attempted robbery at a jewellery shop near Charampa malgodown, Bhadrak SP Manoj Rout informed on Tuesday.
The criminal has been identified as Kamalakanta Das, alias Budhia, a resident of Tudigadia village near Soro in the neighbouring Balasore district.
According to police, Das had travelled to Bhadrak specifically to carry out the robbery. Bhadrak Town Police received concrete information about his presence near the railway goods shed area at around 5 am. Budhia was seen roaming on a bike with his associate. Following which, a six-member police team, including the Bhadrak Town Police Station IIC, rushed to the spot to apprehend him. Budhia opened fire while being rounded up by police, who then retaliated. He was shot in the right leg and suffered serious injuries. His associate, however, managed to flee with the bike.
The accused was initially rushed to Bhadrak district headquarters hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced care.
A country-made firearm and some live bullets were seized from his possession.
While a thorough probe into the incident has been initiated, special police units have been deployed under the supervision of Bhadrak Town IIC Prabhash Mishra to ensure public safety and maintain order. Security checks are underway at various points throughout the town.
