Berhampur: Within 24 hours of a police encounter involving an accused in the Mangala Behera attack case at Ambikanagar Chhak here, the Berhampur police carried out another late-night encounter on Monday.

This time, two key accused in the abduction and murder case of Gopalpur-based real estate dealer Sudhir Patra sustained bullet injuries during an exchange of fire with police near Ratanpur village under Sadar police limits on the outskirts of Berhampur around 12.15 am.

The injured accused have been identified as Ranjan Mallik (27) of Nuagaon under Bada Bazar police limits and Saroj Panda alias Vicky (35) of Sikiri under Hinjili police limits.

Both Ranjan and Saroj were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Sudhir Patra and had also attempted to destroy evidence after the murder. The duo was under police surveillance for the last 10 days but managed to evade arrest repeatedly.

Police received information that the two accused were returning home on a motorcycle through the Ratanpur area late at night. A police team chased them after intercepting the vehicle. During the operation, the accused allegedly attempted to attack the police team, forcing the police to open fire in self-defence.

Both accused sustained bullet injuries on their legs and were immediately shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here for treatment.

With this incident, the number of police encounters in Berhampur over the last 11 days has risen to five.

It may be noted that Sudhir Patra was allegedly abducted on April 16. His body was recovered on April 22. In connection with the case, police have so far arrested nine persons, including contract killers as well as Sudhir’s nephew and niece.