Aska: In a crackdown on criminals, a most wanted criminal Guru Charan Swain, 29, was injured in a police encounter near Charimail on Aska-Balipadar main road in Ganjam district in the wee hours of Monday.
Swain, who received a bullet on his left leg, was rushed to Aska government hospital and then shifted MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
In an attempt to escape arrest, Swain and his accomplice hurled bombs and opened fire at the chasing cops, leaving ASI Yudhisthira Majhi and constable of Odisha Armed Force Harekrushna Sabar injured. These injured cops have also been shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after first aid at Aska Government Hospital.
The cops were tipped off that Swain and his accomplice were going towards Balipadar on a number-less motorcycle to collect extortion money. A team was formed and it, led by IIC Pitabasa Dharua, chased them. Seeing the cops, they opened fire and hurled bombs at them. In retaliation, police also opened fire, injuring Swain. However, his associate managed to escape. A pistol, two live bullets, two shells and a bike were seized.
Swain has 13 murder, dacoity and extortion money collection cases pending against him at different police stations.
A manhunt is on to nab the absconding criminal.
PNN