Bhanjanagar:
Wanted criminal Mohammad Imran alias Imu was injured in an encounter at Soradevi temple-Gundisula road under this police limits in Ganjam district Friday morning. A cop too sustained injuries in the shootout.
Imu who sustained bullet injuries in his left leg was first admitted to Bhanjanagar sub-divisional government hospital and then shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
Sources said Imu and his associates were planning a criminal act at Gundisula road. On being tipped off, a team formed under the direction of Bhanjanagar SDPO to nab Imu, swung into action and rushed to the spot. Seeing men in khaki, Imu opened fire at them. In retaliation, the police too fired and Imu was hit in his leg. However, his associates managed to escape.
Police seized a Pulsar bike, a pistol and a bullet from Imu’s possession. Raids are on in nearby places and Soradevi jungles to nab the absconders.
There are several cases pending against Imu. In Bhanjanagar, he had unleashed a reign of terror by hurling bombs at various locations.
Bhanjanagar SDPO Utkal Keshari Das said, “During the encounter, SI Sabyasachi Malla, Nairanjan Das and Havildar Kali Gouda also sustained injuries and have been admitted to Bhanjanagar Sub-divisional Hospital. A 220 Pulsar bike, a 9mm pistol, live cartridges, five bombs and a mobile phone have been seized from his possession.”
Imu was the prime accused for perpetrating a series of bomb explosions at Bhanjagar market February 7. Three bike-borne miscreants hurled bombs at Iswar shopping mall, Jagannath Jewellers and later targeted the Rebati Motors.
Police said Imu is also the prime accused in a bombing incident at Bhanjanagar in 2016 which he had carried out with the help of his associates Keshab Sahani and MD Jamir of Dharakote area. All three had been absconding after the incident. This apart, Imu is also involved in several other cases of crimes.
PNN