Two Criminals Nabbed In Separate Police Encounters In Odisha

Ganjam: Two notorious criminals were nabbed following two separate police encounters in Ganjam and Jharsuguda on Saturday.

Wanted criminal Sushant Behera alias Koko was arrested after a gun fight with police near Jayshree Chemical Chhak under Ganjam block in the wee hours today.

Koko, a resident of Gosaninuagaon area in Berhampur, was wanted in more than seven cases lodged against him at Aska, Ganjam, Khalikote, Berhampur and Gopalpur police stations. He was also wanted in connection with a bomb hurling incident and attack on one Sudhir Padhi of Ganjam district.

Koko, who received bullet injuries in his left leg, was admitted to MKCG Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur. Two constables were received minor injuries in the exchange of fire but their condition is stated to be stable now.

Acting on a tipoff about the presence of Koko, a team of Ganjam police conducted a raid near the Jayshree Chemical Chhak area. On seeing the cops, the criminal opened fire at them. The cops fired back in retaliation injuring Koko.

Subsequently, Koko was nabbed by the police. However, his other associates managed to flee the spot. A pistol, two cartridges and a motorcycle were also seized from his possession.

In another encounter, criminal Binod Prasad sustained bullet injuries in his right leg following an exchange of fire with police at Chhualiberna area of Jharsuguda district late last night. Prasad is reportedly an accomplice of 'coal mafia' Sonu Ghosh. Prasad has been admitted to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

“After receiving an input from reliable source, a police team raided Chhualiberna area and tried to waylaid him. However, he opened fire at the cops. The police officials fired back in retaliation. He was wanted in several criminal cases,” informed Jharsuguda SP Aswini Mohanty.

Police has reportedly seized one pistol and three live bullets from Prasad's possession, added reports.