Burla: A notorious criminal was injured in a police encounter during a vehicle checking operation in Burla in the early hours of Sunday after he allegedly opened fire on a police team while attempting to flee.

Vehicle checking operation leads to dramatic chase in Burla

According to police sources, personnel from Burla Police Station were conducting vehicle checking near Planetarium Chhak during the intervening night of May 16 and 17. At around 5 a.m., a Swift car approaching from the Sambalpur University side was signalled to stop. However, the driver allegedly ignored the signal and sped away towards the Right Dyke road.

Police teams chased the vehicle and intercepted it near Fishery Chhak. During the operation, one of the accused reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fired three rounds at the police personnel while trying to escape.

In response, the police opened two rounds of controlled fire in self-defence and to prevent further attack, injuring the accused in his right leg.

The injured accused was identified as Manish Sahu, a notorious criminal allegedly involved in more than 14 criminal cases, including dacoity, robbery, Arms Act violations and illegal Corex-related offences.

Police also apprehended three of his associates who were travelling in the car.

Police seize pistol, Corex and Swift car during late-night operation

During the search operation, police seized a pistol along with one live round of ammunition, three empty cartridges, a Swift car, five mobile phones and 10 cartons of Corex cough syrup.

The injured accused was immediately shifted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research for treatment.

Police said further legal action under the NDPS Act and other relevant laws has been initiated. An investigation into the matter is underway.