Bhubaneswar: The accused in the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman at gunpoint in Nayapalli was apprehended after he allegedly opened fire at police while trying to escape in Chandaka area, prompting retaliatory firing in which he sustained a bullet injury to his leg, officials said.
The accused, identified as Sridhar Panda, was overpowered by the police team and taken to Capital Hospital here for treatment.
According to preliminary information, police had launched an operation to apprehend Panda in connection with the rape case. During the operation, he allegedly attempted to flee and fired at the police team.
The police retaliated in self-defence and to prevent his escape, and a bullet hit the accused in the leg, officials said.
The alleged rape took place at the woman’s rented ground-floor accommodation in the Nayapalli area late Wednesday night. According to her complaint, a masked man entered the flat, threatened her with a gun and allegedly raped her before fleeing.
The woman, who lives with her elder sister, was alone at the time of the incident. The house owner resides on the first floor.
Police had registered a case and recorded the woman’s statement. She had told investigators that she was unsure whether the weapon used by the accused was a real firearm or a toy gun.
Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M had earlier said that senior police officers visited the spot and an investigation was underway to identify and apprehend the accused.
Police are also examining whether the accused was known to the woman, despite her claim that the attacker was a stranger.
Meanwhile, the Odisha State Commission for Women (SCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and sought a detailed report from the Bhubaneswar DCP within 15 days.
SCW member Urmila Mohapatra visited Nayapalli police station on Friday and held discussions with the investigating officers.
The police investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances leading to the alleged rape, the accused’s movements and whether others were involved.
