The prime accused in the firing and extortion bid incident which left a woman injured in the pilgrim town of Puri on Tuesday was nabbed following a police encounter today. The main accused identified as notorious criminal Biju Behera, a resident of Gokhasahi area in Puri had gone into hiding shortly after the firing incident.
Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Chandanpur, a special police team raided the area. As per sources, Biju was warned to surrender, however, the criminal first opened fire at the cops leading the police to resort to retaliatory firing.
Later after a brief exchange of fire, Biju was overpowered by the police personnel. He has reportedly received gunshot wounds on his left leg and has been admitted to Puri district headquarters hospital. A pistol and three rounds of live ammunition have been seized from Biju.
Puri Kumbharpada Police Station ASI Dibya Ranjan Panda is reported to have sustained some minor injuries during the gun battle with the criminal.
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According to sources, at around 11.50 pm on Monday, Biju along with another unidentified youth reached the house of one Jitendra Sahoo, a bank employee and native of Narendrakona area under Kumbharpada Police Station limits and demanded money from him.
However, when Jitendra warned him to report the matter to the police, Jitu pulled out a gun and opened fire at him. In order to save Jitu, his wife Sakuntala (38) pushed him and took the gunshot on her own body. She was initially admitted to Puri hospital and later referred to Cuttack SCB.
Later that night, Biju his friend identified as Kalia Muduli also allegedly barged into the residence of one Tuni Behera in Matitota and attacked her in an extortion bid.