In a significant breakthrough, police nabbed a notorious criminal following an encounter late on Saturday night in this holy town. An inspector of police was also injured in the incident.
The accused Deebana Behera is a resident of Gokha Sahi in the town. He sustained bullet injuries in the encounter. Later, he was rushed to the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.
Reports said that the encounter took place in the Kumbharpada area while Behera was plotting to execute a contract killing.
Acting on specific information, a joint police team including the Puri DSP, the Kumbharpada PS IIC and the Baseli Sahi PS IIC conducted a raid in the Kumbharpada area to nab the wanted criminal. When the police intercepted Behera, he opened fire at them. In the retaliatory firing by the cops, he sustained gunshot injuries in his right knee.
The Baseli Sahi PS IIC was also wounded during the exchange of fire.
Behera was initially rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital here, from where he was shifted to the SCB Medical College Hospital.
Police seized a pistol, live ammunitions and a bike from the encounter site.
Behera was wanted in at least 26 cases lodged against him at different police stations in the town.
Behera, who is a former Home Guard, is allegedly involved in several illegal activities such as loot and contract killing.