A history-sheeter wanted in connection with over 24 criminal cases was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Odisha’s Sambalpur district on Sunday, police said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Irfan from Sunapali, was wanted in a range of offenses including dacoity, robbery, theft, burglary, and narcotics smuggling, according to Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra.
The encounter occurred at around 5:45 AM along Canal Road near Sudunga Forest under the Sadar police station.
According to police, Irfan was travelling on a motorcycle with his two associates to commit a crime when a Sadar police patrol team intercepted them.
While officers managed to immediately apprehend two of the suspects, Irfan attempted to escape the scene by firing at the police party. Police fired back in self-defence, injuring Irfan with a gunshot wound to his left leg, Mishra explained.
Irfan suffered a single gunshot wound to his left leg during the brief crossfire, and has been taken to hospital for treatment, Mishra informed.
Irfan reportedly discharged three rounds toward the officers, who responded by firing two rounds back, he added.
The ASP further stated that law enforcement recovered a pistol, live ammunition, and three empty shell cartridges from the scene, along with seizing the motorcycle used by the trio.
Irfan was immediately shifted to VIMSAR in Burla for medical treatment, police said, adding that a detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.
