Notorious Criminal Injured In Exchange Of Fire With Police In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: Dreaded criminal Pinaki Baral alias Pinu, allegedly involved in more than 11 cases including attempt to murder, was injured during an encounter with police in a forest area in Odisha’s Puri on Thursday.

The encounter took place in Sankareswar forest near Loknath temple. Pinu, who sustained injuries on his left leg, has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) at Puri, police said.

Police swung into action after receiving an intelligence input that the hardcore criminal armed with a firearm and an accomplice were entering Puri to commit multiple armed robberies.

A team lead by IIC Baseli Sahi police station, Manas Barik and other staff launched an operation and there was an exchange of fire with the criminal in the forest.

After the encounter, the criminal was nabbed with injury on left leg and shifted to DHH Puri for treatment.

One pistol and 2 rounds of live ammunition have been seized from the spot.

A sub-inspector of police sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire.

Pinu is involved in more than 11 criminal cases including attempt to murder, assault and robbery and extortion. Further investigation in the matter is in progress.