The Gopalpur police arrested five criminals after an exchange of fire took place between them at Gaunju village in Ganjam district on Tuesday. The police seized four bombs, four swords, two mobiles and Rs 3,250 from their possession, said Sadar SDPO Harihar Pani.
The arrested have been identified as gang leader Prakash Das alias Beta, Sania Das, Baba Das, Bhikari Das and Maya Das. They are accused of attacking a labourer of Aruapalli, Suresh Das, on March 12, police said.
According to the police, six miscreants were making some poll arrangements for a political party at the Gaunju Siva temple. On a tip-off, a police team led by IIC Pragyan Paramita Jena reached the spot. But the culprits soon opened one round of fire and hurled two bombs at them. Thereafter, an exchange of fire took place between them for nearly 40 minutes. While the police managed to nab five, one of them fled from the spot.