Sambalpur: A notorious criminal, wanted in over 41 cases across multiple districts in Odisha, was injured in a police encounter in Odisha’s Sambalpur district early Wednesday morning.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 5:45 am when a team from Naktideul police station cornered Dhaneswar Jhankar alias Tima Jhankar in Dumchhali forest area under Rairakhol police limits, following a tip off.
When confronted, Jhankar allegedly opened three rounds of fire in an attempt to flee. Police responded in self-defence with controlled firing, which resulted in Jhankar being hit in the right leg. He was admitted to sub-divisional hospital in Rairakhol and later shifted to VIMSAR, Burla.
Three of his accomplices were also arrested from the spot. A pistol along with live ammunition, an SUV and a wire cutter, believed to have been used for thefts of aluminium conductor wires from power transmission lines, were seized from them.
Jhankar, a dreaded history-sheeter, was involved in criminal activities including dacoity, robbery, violations under the Arms Act, and incidents of wire theft, the sources added.
