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Gold Trader Robbery Case : Key Accused Injured in Police Gunfight
Keonjhar, Odisha : A wanted interstate criminal, identified as Arjun Pradhan, was injured in a police encounter near Asiya village in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Friday, following a high-stakes pursuit by a special police team. The accused sustained a bullet injury to his right leg during the exchange of fire and was subsequently taken into medical care under police security.
According to police sources, the confrontation occurred when a special team tracking Pradhan’s movements reportedly cornered him during an operation. Police allege that he opened fire at the officers when they attempted to apprehend him, prompting retaliatory firing in self-defence. During the exchange, a bullet struck Pradhan in the right leg, leaving him injured and unable to continue his escape.
Pradhan is a native of Dasamania village under the jurisdiction of Jakhapura police station in Jajpur district. According to preliminary police information, he is allegedly involved in more than 20 criminal cases registered across Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand. Law enforcement agencies have reportedly been searching for him in connection with several alleged criminal activities spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Investigators are also examining his alleged role in a robbery that took place on September 27 in Bantal village under Soso police station limits. During the incident, a gold trader was reportedly shot and critically injured, while the perpetrators allegedly escaped with valuables. Police suspect Pradhan of masterminding the robbery, though the allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Following the encounter, the injured accused was rushed to Anandapur Hospital for emergency treatment. Given the seriousness of his condition, he was subsequently referred to a higher medical facility in Cuttack for further treatment. Police personnel accompanied him during the transfer to ensure security.
Meanwhile, police have reportedly intensified follow-up operations in the surrounding areas to investigate possible links to his alleged criminal network and identify other individuals who may be connected to the cases under investigation.
The encounter marks a significant development in the police search for the wanted accused. Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shootout, the alleged robbery in Bantal and other cases in which Pradhan is suspected of involvement. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
