Jeypore: Two unidentified ganja smugglers managed to escape from cops during a raid following an exchange of fire near Power House Square on Jeypore bypass road in Koraput district in the wee hours Tuesday.
Sensing the movement of police, the two bike-borne miscreants opened two rounds of fire at the cops and fled.
According to sources, Jeypore Town police received an input about movement of a ganja-laden vehicle in the locality and intensified patrolling to nab the anti-socials.
Two bike-borne miscreants providing escort to a suspicious vehicle early Tuesday morning came in contact with the police patrol and opened fire at the cops. In retaliation, the police team also fired three rounds at the miscreants.
The situation turned ugly as a gunfight ensued between the police and the miscreants. However, no one was injured in the encounter.
The anti-socials managed to flee the spot even after the police chased them hard.
“We chased them continuously but they started firing near the bypass road, and thereafter increased their speed. They also opened fire at Jaynagar Chhak and managed to escape. We have seized a 9mm cartridge from the spot,” Inspector-in-charge of Town police Baleswar Gidhi said.
A manhunt was launched to nab the accused. One used cartridge was recovered from the incident site, the IIC added.
PNN