Bhubaneswar: A notorious criminal allegedly involved in apartment robberies was held following an encounter with the police in Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in the wee hours of Monday.
The robber, identified as Arjun Anare, has been hospitalised as he sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
As per sources, Arjun and his gang members were planning a burglary at an apartment in the area when they were spotted by Balianta police during a routine patrol. Upon noticing the police, the gang members attempted to flee.
After being chased, Arjun opened fire on the police. In retaliation, the police fired back, hitting Arjun in the leg. While he was unable to escape due to his injury, four other members of his gang fled the scene.
Arjun was initially rushed to the Capital Hospital here in critical condition but was later shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar as his condition deteriorated.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt to track down the absconding gang members.
Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra informed that the criminals hailed from outside the state, reportedly from Madhya Pradesh.