Police Encounter in Jharsuguda: 30 year old Accused Injured in Exchange of Fire, Four Associates Arrested

Jharsuguda: An alleged member of an armed gang was injured in a police encounter following an exchange of fire near Maa Ghanteswari Temple at Kadamghat under Rengali police station limits in Jharsuguda district on wee hours of Saturday. Police said the accused, identified as Jay Chouhan (30) of Gandhi Chowk in Brajrajnagar, sustained a bullet injury to his right leg during the operation.

Jharsuguda police also arrested four of his associates who were allegedly part of the gang. The arrested persons have been identified as Karan Chouhan (28), Biswajit Nayak (27), both residents of Gandhi Chowk; Bade alias Santosh Mahato (28) of Gopibihar; and Barud alias Rabi alias Rohit Kumar Singh (30) of Lamtibahal, all under the Brajrajnagar police station limits.

Jharsuguda SP G.R. Raghavendra said, “We got information that an armed gang had been planning a dacoity at a financial institution in the Rengali area. Immediately, we launched a special team under the guidance of Northen Range IG and the direction of DG Sir. At Bhikampali, on spotting the police vehicle, the accused attempted to flee at high speed. Police chased them until they abandoned their vehicle near Maa Ghanteswari Temple at Kadamghat and tried to escape on foot.

“During the pursuit, Jay Chouhan opened fire at the police team. Despite repeated warnings to surrender, he continued firing, forcing police personnel to retaliate in self-defence,” the SP said.

The injured accused was initially shifted to Lakhanpur Community Health Centre and later referred to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Jharsuguda, for treatment.

The remaining four accused fled towards the nearby forest area under the cover of darkness. Jharsuguda Police launched a massive search and combing operation, which resulted in the apprehension of all the absconding accused.

Preliminary investigation revealed that several members of the gang have criminal antecedents involving offences such as attempt to murder, robbery, preparation for dacoity, theft, criminal intimidation and violations under the Arms Act.

Police seized a country-made pistol, two empty cartridges, a bhujali (sharp-edged weapon), an imitation firearm, and the pickup vehicle allegedly used by the accused. Scientific examination of the seized articles is underway.

The SP warned anti-social elements that police would take strict action against those disturbing public peace and order. Further investigation is underway.