Rourkela: In a major development linked to the brutal murder of 29-year-old Tofan Bindhani, two key accused were injured in a police encounter in Rourkela on Saturday early morning.

Early morning encounter in Jhirpani after brutal Rourkela murder

According to police, the encounter took place around 3:30 am in the Jhirpani police station area when officers attempted to apprehend the accused, identified as Chunu Haripa and Nanda. During the exchange of fire, both sustained bullet injuries to their right legs after retaliatory firing by police.

The injured accused are believed to be the main perpetrators involved in the recent sensational killing of Tofan Bindhani in the Saguan plantation area near Ganjampali slum under Sector-6 on Tuesday afternoon.

The murder had triggered widespread tension in the area after Bindhani was brutally attacked with sharp weapons, including swords and axes, by a group of around 10 miscreants. Police had earlier confirmed that the killing was the result of a previous enmity, following a violent altercation between the victim and the accused two days before the incident.

Investigators said Bindhani and his associates were having food at an isolated spot in the plantation area when the assailants arrived and launched a sudden attack. Bindhani died on the spot, while one of his companions, Subhendu Sethi, sustained injuries.

Following the murder, anger spread in the Ganjampali slum, with residents staging protests outside the Sector-7 police station, demanding swift arrests and stronger action against the accused. Locals also alleged repeated lapses in policing and called for demolition of houses belonging to the accused.

Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 126(2), 103(1), 109(1), 118(1) and 3(5), based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, naming several youths from Narayanpali slum.

Officials said the situation is under control and further investigation is underway.