Police shootout in Sambalpur leaves history-sheeter injured, arrested

A man described by police as a history-sheeter was injured and arrested after an exchange of fire with officers in Odisha’s Sambalpur district early on Sunday, according to Odisha Police. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Irfan, a resident of Sonapali, was travelling on a motorcycle with two associates when a Sadar police patrol team intercepted them, officials said.

Police said the interception took place near Sudunga Forest on Canal Road under Sadar Police Station area. During the stop, Irfan allegedly fled the scene while his two associates were apprehended at the spot. While attempting to escape, he allegedly opened fire at the police team, prompting officers to return fire in self-defence, police said. Irfan sustained a bullet injury to his left leg and was taken to VIMSAR Medical College, Burla, for treatment.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Sambalpur, Ajay Mishra, said the accused, along with two accomplices, were on their way to commit a crime when the local police patrol attempted to intercept them. Police recovered a country-made pistol, ammunition, and three empty cartridges from the spot, and also seized the motorcycle allegedly used by the accused.

Irfan is wanted in more than 24 criminal cases registered at different police stations in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and neighbouring districts, including theft, robbery, and offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.