Wanted Robbery Accused Injured in Police Encounter After Bomb Attack and Firing in Ganjam
Bureau, Odishabarta
Berhampur, July 24: A dreaded robbery and dacoity accused was injured in a police encounter after allegedly attacking a police team with a bomb and opening fire while attempting to evade arrest in Ganjam district on Friday.
The accused, Kalia @ Ghanashyam Behera, a resident of Naitada Sahi under the jurisdiction of Purushottampur Police Station, is wanted in connection with multiple cases of robbery and dacoity.
According to police sources, acting on a reliable tip-off regarding the accused’s whereabouts, Inspector Kulamani Sethi, Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Purushottampur Police Station, along with a police team, launched an operation to apprehend him.
During the operation, Kalia and an associate were spotted riding a motorcycle on the jungle road between Kinari and Chunchipada under the limits of Kodala Police Station. When the police team attempted to intercept them, the accused allegedly hurled a bomb and opened fire at the police personnel while trying to escape.
In response to the life-threatening attack, and exercising the right of private defence, Inspector Kulamani Sethi retaliated by firing at the accused. Kalia sustained a bullet injury to his right leg and was overpowered.
The injured accused was immediately rushed to Kodala Community Health Centre (CHC) for first aid and was later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, for advanced treatment.
Police officials confirmed that Inspector Kulamani Sethi and all members of the police team escaped unhurt and are safe and stable.
Further investigation is underway to trace the accused’s associate, who managed to flee from the spot, and to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Police are also expected to recover evidence from the encounter site and examine the accused’s involvement in other pending criminal cases.
