Hans News Service Bhubaneswar

A notorious criminal and prime accused in a recent armed robbery case sustained bullet injuries during an encounter with the police under Sadar police station area of Keonjhar district on Tuesday morning, officials said. The criminal was identified as Pravat Mallick, the main accused in the case related to thelooting of more than Rs 8 lakh from two panchayat-level government officials at Mukuna village under Sadar police limits on May 18.

The police, during the course of an investigation into the armed robbery case, ascertained Mallick’s involvement. Apart from this, the accused is also involved in more than 40 criminal cases relating to robbery, theft and other serious offences. According to the official statement of Keonjhar police, in a major breakthrough, a team of Sadar police station apprehended the dreaded criminal during a raid in the wee hours on Tuesday.

“During interrogation, the accused confessed his involvement in the armed robbery of Rs 8,18,100 and disclosed concealment of robbery proceeds and other stolen property. During the recovery of the stolen property near Mahuldiha Water Tank, Belda, Keonjhar district, the accused suddenly retrieved a concealed country-made firearm and fired one round at the police party with the intention to kill the police personnel,” informed the Keonjhar police.

Subsequently, the police resorted to a controlled retaliatory fire in self-defence, resulting in injury to the accused on his right leg. The cops later overpowered the accused and disarmed him. He was immediately rushed to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Doctors later shifted him to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, for advanced care. A country-made firearm and robbery-related cash were seized from the spot.

A fresh case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. The police said that further investigation is underway to apprehend other associates and recover the remaining stolen property.