Dreaded criminal Pinu injured in police encounter in Puri

A dreaded criminal, Pinaki Baral also known as Pinu with several criminal cases pending against him, was injured in an encounter with police in Puri on Thursday.

As per police sources, intelligence input was received that a dreaded criminal carrying a firearm along with an accomplice was coming to Puri for robbery. A police team led by the Baseli Sahi Police Station IIC, Manas Barik, and other officials launched a drive based on the input.

There was an exchange of fire between the police team and the criminal at Sankareshwar forest behind Loknath Temple in the pilgrim town. After the exchange of fire, the criminal was nabbed. The criminal reportedly suffered a bullet injury in his left leg following which he was shifted to Puri district hospital for treatment.

The police have recovered a pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, a two-wheeler and a mobile phone from the spot.

Sub-Inspector B Majhi from Baseli Sahi PS also sustained a minor injury in the exchange of fire.

As per sources, the hardened criminal is involved in more than 11 criminal cases including attempt to murder, assault, robbery, and extortion.

Speaking about the encounter, Puri Additional SP, Sushil Mishra said, “Under the guidance of the SP, we have been conducting a drive against hardened criminals. We sprang into action following a tip-off about criminals planning to conduct highway robbery in Puri.”

“We asked Pinu to surrender but he did not respond, instead he opened fire at us. So the police were forced to fire at him too. Pinu sustained a bullet injury in his leg, following which we took him to the hospital for treatment,” Mishra added.