Dhenkanal: Kamakhyanagar police arrested a notorious criminal, Subash Khuntia (30) alias Bhubana, after an exchange of fire early on Monday in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district.
According to sources, police raided Khuntaposi forest following a tip-off that criminals of ‘king of forest’ gang led by Bhubana were plotting an extortion there. On seeing the cops, the criminals hurled bombs and fired at them, who then retaliated. Bhubana suffered bullet injuries in his left leg while trying to flee and was arrested, additional ASP, Dhenkanal, Suryamani Pradhan told the media.
He was initially admitted to the district headquarters hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. “At least 18 cases, including murder, extortion and dacoity, are pending against him,” the police officer added.
A country-made pistol, live ammunition, 3 fired cases, a crude bomb, a machete and Rs 2000 in cash was seized from him. Two of his associates, however, managed to give police the slip, the sources added.