Puri: Pinaki Boral alias Pinku, a dreaded criminal, was nabbed by the police from a forest located on the outskirts of Puri after an encounter Thursday.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Susil Mishra told mediapersons that Pinku along with his accomplices were involved in highway robberies and were preparing to rob tourists.
They were hiding in a cashew forest near Shankheshwar temple close to the highway when the police team rounded up the forest and asked the accused to surrender.
However, Pinku opened fire on the police team while his gang members fled the spot, Mishra said.
The police in self-defence opened fire and Pinku sustained injury on his left knee and was captured.
Police recovered a small arm with two live cartridges, a two-wheeler and a mobile phone from him. He was admitted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) for treatment but later shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
The dreaded criminal is involved in 11 criminal cases including highway robbery under Baseli Sahi and Sadar police stations and was wanted by police, the ASP said.
Puri police have been carrying out a special drive to arrest criminals who are reportedly robbing visitors.
In the tussle to nab accused Budharai Majhi, a sub-inspector sustained minor injuries, Mishra added.
PNN