Notorious criminals injured in police encounter

Ganjam: Two dreaded criminals sustained grievous injuries in an exchange of fire with the police at Kanheipur village near Khallikote in the district on Monday.

According to police sources, the duo, identified as Souri Nayak and Mitu Pradhan, had taken Supari to kill a contractor of Khurda. On Sunday, the duo opened fire at the contractor near College Chhak under Banpur police station in Khurda and fled.

Critically injured, the contractor was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. On getting information, police launched a manhunt to nab both. Hiding at Kanheipur, both were apprehended by the police from their hideout.

As soon as police reached the spot, the duo started firing indiscriminately at the police and got injured in retaliation.

While Souri sustained bullet injuries in both his legs, one of Mitu's  legs got hit by a bullet. They were immediately rushed to Khallikote Medical and later shifted to MKCG Medical in Berhampur after their condition worsened.

There are multiple cases registered against them in different police stations, said police sources, adding, two pistols and five rounds of  cartridges were seized from their possession.