A dreaded criminal, Ananta Kumar Macchua alias Mani, was critically injured in an encounter with police near Gudidhepa in Khallikote of Ganjam district on Monday night.
The accused, who suffered bullet injuries on his right leg, was admitted to the MKCG Medical College Hospital here. Acting on a tipoff about the movement of Mani in the locality, a police team had rushed to the spot and laid a trap to apprehend him. However, Mani after spotting the police team opened fire at them. In retaliation, the police fired at him, injuring him.
A motorcycle, a pistol and three live bullets were seized from Mani’s possession.
The criminal is said to be a resident of the Ranpur area of Nayagarh district.
According to sources, more than 10 criminal cases have been filed against Mani in different poilce stations.