Wanted criminal nabbed after encounter

Ganjam: Police on Sunday arrested a criminal after a brief encounter near a cashew forest at Bhaliapali under Soroda block in the district. Sources said, the accused, Lambu Tarini, was nabbed following a joint operation by Soroda and Gangapur police.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of police intercepted Tarini and two of his accomplices travelling to Sorada from Kulangi in two bikes at around 5:30 am today.

Sensing trouble, Tarini opened fire at the policemen and the cops too retaliated in which he sustained three bullet injuries in his leg. Two of his associates managed to escape during the crossfire.

Tarini has been admitted to hospital. A pistol, seven rounds of live bullets, two motorcycles have been seized from him.

Police said, over 30 criminal cases pertaining to attempt to murder, loot, extortion are pending against him at different police stations in the district. His criminal antecedents are further being verified, police said.