Berhampur/Jharsuguda: Two criminals were injured in encounters with police in Ganjam and Jharsuguda districts on Saturday.
In the first incident, Ganjam police shot at and injured Sushant Behera alias Koko, a dreaded criminal of Gosaninuagan in Berhampur city.
Police said they raided Jayashree Chemicals Road area after a tip-off that Koko and his aides were present there. Seeing the police team, Koko fired and two constables were injured. Police retaliated and he was hit by a bullet on his left leg.
Police also seized two pistols, three bullets and a bike from his possession. He was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
Koko has seven cases of murder, dacoity and bomb attacks registered against him at different police stations in Ganjam district.
In the other incident, Binod Prasad was injured on his right leg following an exchange of fire with Jharsuguda police at Chhualiberana in Brajajarajnagar area in the morning.
Police seized one pistol and three bullets from Binod. He was admitted to the Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital.
According to police, Binod is an aide of Sonu Ghosh, a coal mafia of Jharsuguda. Binod has several cases pending against him at different police stations in the district.