Sambalpur (Odisha), March 18 A man, who was involved in over 40 criminal cases, was injured in an encounter with police in Sambalpur district, Odisha, according to an official statement.
The exchange of fire took place in Dumchhali forest, under the Rairakhol Police Station limits, at around 5:45 am when a police team reached the area and was challenged by the man and his associates.
The criminals started firing, targeting the police party, while they were trying to flee the scene, and the police personnel retaliated, the statement said.
The man and his three associates were arrested during the operation, it said.
"In self-defense, the police team retaliated with controlled firing, during which the accused sustained gunshot wounds on his right leg," the statement said.
The accused, identified as Tima alias Dhaneswar Jhankar, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
He had been hiding in the dense forest for some time and avoided using a mobile phone to avoid detection.
He was involved in 41 criminal cases, including robbery, offences under the Arms Act, and the theft of aluminum wire, the police said in the statement.
The police team seized a pistol along with live ammunition, a vehicle, and tools used for cutting power transmission wires.