Wanted criminal injured in exchange of fire with police in Odisha forest

In a dramatic police encounter on Tuesday evening, a notorious criminal Deepak Mandal sustained bullet injuries after an exchange of fire with police in Rengali area near Rampela forest of Sambalpur district.

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Acting on a tip-off, a team of Sambalpur police launched an operation to apprehend Deepak in the forested area. On spotting the police, Deepak opened fire with a country-made pistol, reportedly firing three rounds in an attempt to escape. In retaliation, police returned fire, hitting him below the right knee.

The injured accused was immediately shifted to VIMSAR hospital, Burla in critical condition for treatment.

Police have recovered a country-made firearm and two live bullets from the accused. Deepak Mandal is a habitual offender and has at least 21 criminal cases registered against him across multiple police stations.

The encounter marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle rising criminal activities in western Odisha. Local police are continuing their investigation and further legal action is underway.

“When police attempted to nab the criminal, he opened fire at the police team from his pistol. The cops, in a controlled manner, retaliated for their safety and exchanged fire. As a result, Deepak Mandal sustained bullet injuries below his right knee,” Sambalpur ASP, Ajaya Kumar Mishra, said while speaking to mediapersons.

“A country-made 7.56 MM firearm, a live ammunition, and five rounds of empty cartridges were seized from his possession on the spot. The empty cartridges include three rounds of bullets fired by Deepak and two rounds of bullets fired by the police,” the ACP added.

Odisha Police have stepped up their actions against the criminal elements, addressing issues ranging from petty theft to severe infractions in the State. This aggressive stance includes engaging in direct encounters when deemed necessary to ensure public safety.

“Proper and strong legal actions are being taken against the wrongdoers, and whoever breaks the law would face action,” Northern Range IG, Himanshu Lal had previously said.