Bhubaneswar: One person was apprehended, while another managed to flee after a group of cattle smugglers opened fire at an Excise Department vehicle near Masabira under Lephripada police station in Sundargarh district, on Friday.
According to Nirmal Kumar Mohapatra, the Lephripada Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the Excise Department officers, during routine patrolling, noticed a pick-up van speeding away and overtaking their vehicle.
The officers suspected the vehicle was involved in the illegal transportation of narcotics, ganja, or other contraband items and decided to pursue the vehicle.
“The pick-up van did not yield and continued speeding. In response, the Excise Department vehicle fired two rounds. One shot missed, but the other struck the van, causing visible damage. Thankfully, no officers were injured. After a brief chase, the van was intercepted. One suspect managed to escape, while the driver was arrested at the scene,” said Mohapatra.
The arrested driver was found to be in possession of a country-made firearm, a mobile phone, and Rs 2,040 in cash.
“Upon inspection of the vehicle, eight cattle were discovered. The Excise Department handed over the cattle to the police station and a case has been registered,” Mohapatra added.
A manhunt is now underway to apprehend the two absconding suspects. Investigations are continuing into the matter.
