As part of their efforts to free Ganjam district from criminal elements, both the Ganjam and Brahmapur police have started encountering notorious criminals to check their activities in the district.
On Tuesday night, a notorious criminal wanted in several cases was injured in a police encounter. Dillip Nayak of Baliasira village in the district sustained bullet injuries on his left leg at Badamahari Road near Kabisuryanagar.
The accused was admitted to the MKCG Medical College Hospital here amid tight security, and his condition is stable, sources said.
A mouser and three rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.
At least eight cases of murder, attempt to murder, dacoity and robbery are pending against Dillip at different police stations in the State, police said.
The sources said Dillip tried to flee from the spot after opening two rounds of bullets at the cops. The police fired in retaliation, injuring the criminal.
Senior police officials said anti-criminal operations would be intensified in the two police districts as the Dusshera is fast approaching.