Bhubaneswar: In a daring encounter, the Rourkela police exchanged fire with an inter-state dacoity gang, arresting its eight members, including the notorious gang leader Chanda Nayak.
According to reports, the police had been tracking the gang’s activities and received credible intelligence about their movement in the Bonai area on November 22. Acting on the tip-off, the police conducted a series of raids and set up checkpoints in the area.
On November 23, at around 4 am, the police spotted a Scorpio and two motorcycles heading towards Koida. When the vehicles were asked to stop, the occupants opened fire, hitting the police vehicle. The police retaliated in a controlled manner, injuring three of the accused, including Chanda Nayak and Rajesh Singh.
The arrested accused have been identified as Chanda Nayak, Rajesh Singh, Paras Ram Lambu, James Anethin Topno, Surajhuni Purty, Suel Purty, Etus Naik, and Sania Kerketta. The police have seized a Scorpio vehicle, two motorcycles, two country-made pistols, one revolver, eight live ammunition, and cash worth Rs. 76,150.
Chande and Rajesh Singh were injured and were immediately shifted to Rourkela Government Hospital for treatment.
The accused have multiple cases against them, including at K.Balang Police Station, Koida PS Case and Lahunipada police station. Police are further investigating the matter to uncover more details about the gang’s activities and networks.
