Bhadrak: In a police encounter, notorious criminal Papu Mallick was injured after being shot in the leg during a joint operation by police teams in Bhadrak.
Three police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), a Constable, and a Police Inspector, were also injured during the exchange of fire.
According to reports, police teams from Bhadrak Sadar, Rural, and Puruna Bazar police stations carried out a joint raid on the instruction of Bhadrak SP Manoj Kumar Rout.
The encounter took place around 3:30 am on Thursday at Nuasahi forest area near Law College under Bhadrak Rural police station limits. Notorious criminal Papu along with one associate, arrived at the spot on a Pulsar motorcycle armed with a gun and other weapons, reportedly to commit a criminal act. Acting on specific intelligence, Bhadrak Rural police inspector Subrat Das along with three team members immediately chased the duo. Papu first opened fire on the police team, discharging two rounds. The police retaliated in self-defence, and one bullet struck Papu in his right leg. While his associate managed to flee from the spot, Papu fell down and was subsequently arrested, said sources.
Upon being informed, a four-member scientific team led by officer Sangeeta Hasda reached the encounter site and has begun investigation.
Police have recovered one country-made gun along with two live 9mm cartridges from the spot. The area remains cordoned off and is being guarded by police personnel.
On the other hand, the injured criminal was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.
It is learnt that Papu is a history-sheeter with more than 22 criminal cases registered against him, including multiple cases of murder and robbery.
