Sambalpur: A notorious criminal was injured during an encounter with the police in Odisha’s Sambalpur district early Sunday morning.
The incident took place near Sudunga forest area under Sadar police limits.
The accused, identified as Md Irfan of Sunapali, sustained a bullet wound to his left leg and was immediately rushed to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla for treatment, where his condition is being monitored.
According to police, a patrolling team from the Sadar police station intercepted a motorcycle carrying Irfan and his two accomplices along the canal road. While the cops managed to apprehend the two associates, identified as Md Arman and Deepak Kumar, Irfan fired three rounds from a country-made pistol in an attempt to flee into the forest. The police team responded with two controlled rounds in self-defense, striking Irfan in his left leg.
Following the shootout, police seized a firearm, live ammunition, three empty cartridges, and the motorcycle used by the trio. A scientific forensics team reached the spot shortly thereafter to collect blood samples, physical evidence, and the recovered weapon to aid in the investigation.
A police officer said that Irfan has been involved in more than 24 criminal cases, including armed robbery, extortion, theft of high-voltage electric wires, and illicit drug trafficking, particularly the trade of contraband codeine syrup, across Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Raurkela, and Baragada districts. The officer added that the cops acted on intelligence, indicating Irfan was planning a major criminal operation in the area.
