BERHAMPUR: A history-sheeter with 12 criminal cases against him was reportedly injured during an encounter with police in Gopalpur area of Ganjam district on Saturday.
The accused, Dipuna Nayak (36), sustained a bullet injury to his left leg and was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
The encounter comes days after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued directives to police to take strict action against criminals.
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said Nayak was accused in multiple cases including murder, robbery and loot. He was being tracked in connection with an assault case in which a local resident was reportedly attacked and pushed off the near Berhampur-Gopalpur overbridge.
Acting on inputs, Gopalpur police traced Nayak’s location and reached the spot to apprehend him. During the operation, he reportedly attempted to flee following which police opened fire, injuring him in his left leg. He was later taken into custody and shifted to the hospital.
On Saturday evening, Shyam Behera of Dhanamera Sahi under Badabazar police limits was reportedly sitting on Berhampur-Gopalpur overbridge when a group of miscreants reportedly assaulted him and pushed him down. He sustained serious injuries and was initially admitted to MKCG MCH before being referred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after his condition deteriorated.
Following the incident, Gopalpur police launched an investigation and analysed CCTV footage from the area and traced Nayak. Police said further investigation is underway to identify and arrest others involved in the assault case.
On Thursday last week, Chief Minister Majhi expressed serious concern over the surge in violent crimes across the state and issued a stern warning to the police administration, directing officers to adopt tougher measures to maintain law and order. He had asked police to create fear among criminals and instil confidence among people.