BHUBANESWAR: Notorious criminal Rabi Rao, who has many cases pending against him, was injured in a police encounter near Cuttack-Puri Bypass road here early on Monday.
Sources said Rao was hit by a bullet on his right knee in the operation carried out by a joint team of Kharvela Nagar police and the Special squad. Rao fired three rounds after which the police retaliated. A gun and three rounds of live ammunition were seized from him.
Rao was admitted to Capital Hospital here and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Police said there are seven cases pending against Rao including dacoity and attempt to murder.
The Commissionerate of Police has prepared a list of habitual offenders who commit crime after securing bail. “The cops have launched a manhunt to nab these criminals,” a senior police official said.