Three arrested in two encounters in 24 hours

Cuttack/Berhampur: Continuing crackdown on history-sheeters, police have arrested three dreaded criminals following two separate encounters at Cuttack and Berhampur. While two criminals were nabbed by the Cuttack police after an encounter at Chauliaganj Thursday night, another was nabbed from Rambha in Ganjam district.

Following a tip-off about their  presence in Chauliaganj area, a special squad of police rushed to the spot. The duo then opened fire at the cops to escape arrest to which police fired in retaliation. Both Babu and Routray have sustained bullet injuries on their legs and admitted to hospital.

In a separate incident, dreaded criminal Santosh Behera was nabbed following an encounter near Rambha in Ganjam district in the wee hours today. Police arrested Behera following an exchange of fire, though Behera's associate managed to give the cops a slip.

According to police sources, Behera has been admitted to Chhatrapur Sub-divisional hospital. A pistol, live ammunition and a bike have been recovered from his possession.

Behera is a native of Khandadeuli village under Rambha police limits and has a long track record of crimes. He is accused of being involved in as many as 16 different cases of dacoity, bombing and attempt to murder, informed police.