Sambalpur: A suspected cough syrup smuggler was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Odisha's Sambalpur district early Sunday, police said. The injured accused, identified as Pritam Biswal, sustained a bullet injury to his right leg. He was taken to the Rengali Community Health Centre for treatment.

The incident took place on the Jangala-Pandloi road under Rengali police station limits when cops were conducting a night patrol following information about the transportation of a large quantity of cough syrup.

At around 6.15 am, police intercepted a car. Its driver, identified as Ashutosh Mendali, was detained, while another person travelling in the vehicle fled into a nearby forest.

Another car was following the first vehicle at high speed. The driver lost control over the wheels and crashed into a roadside tree.

The driver, Pritam Biswal, got out of the vehicle and tried to flee. When police chased him, he allegedly opened fire at them, following which police fired in self-defence.

Police said the accused fired four rounds, while the police fired three rounds. Biswal was hit in the right leg during the exchange of fire.

A search of the two vehicles led to the seizure of 24 cartons of cough syrup. Police also recovered a country-made 9mm pistol and five empty cartridges from the spot.

Police are investigating the source of the seized cough syrup, its intended destination, and the people involved in the illegal supply network.

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the person who fled into the forest. Police said the investigation will focus on identifying all those involved in the suspected illegal cough syrup supply network.