Berhampur: Notorious criminal Mohammad Imran alias Imu, the prime accused in series bomb explosions at Bhanjanagar market on February 7, was nabbed by police after an encounter near Gandisula chhak here today. During the encounter, three police personnel also sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.
Acting on an intelligence input about the movement of Imu and his associate near Bhanjanagar, a special team of police led by Bhanjanagar IIC intensified inspection near Soradevi Gandisula chhak.
Police waylaid Imu and his associate who were going on a bike through the area but the duo tried to give the cops a slip. Police chased them for some distance before opening blank fire but the accused hurled bombs at the police.
During the exchange of fire that followed, Imu sustained injuries on both his legs and was subsequently nabbed by police. However, his aide managed to escape from the police.
Imu was initially admitted to Bhanjanagar Sub-divisional Hospital and later shifted to MKCG hospital in Berhampur.
Bhanjanagar SDPO Utkal Keshari Das said, “During the encounter, SI Sabyasachi Malla, Nairanjan Das and Havildar Kali Gouda also sustained injuries and have been admitted to Bhanjanagar Sub-divisional Hospital. A 220 pulsar bike, 9mm pistol, live cartridges, five bombs and a mobile phone have been seized from his possession.”
Imu was the prime accused for perpetrating series of bomb explosions at Bhanjagar market on February 7. Three bike-borne miscreants hurled bombs at Iswar shopping mall, Jagannath Jewellers and later targeted the Rebati Motors.
Police said Imu is also the prime accused in bombing incident in Bhanjanagar in 2016 which he had carried out with the help of his associates Keshab Sahani and MD Jamir of Dharakote area. All three had been absconding after the incident. This apart, Imu is also involved in several other cases of crimes.