Sambalpur, March 18: A dreaded criminal, who had long evaded arrest despite being involved in multiple cases, was finally apprehended following a police encounter in Sambalpur. The accused, identified as Tima alias Dhaneswar Jhankar, sustained a bullet injury in his right leg and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Tima, who had allegedly built a vast network of criminal activities and spread terror in the region, is facing more than 40 criminal cases across Sambalpur and several other districts.

Acting on specific intelligence, police launched an early morning operation to nab the accused. During the raid in the Dumchhali forest area, Tima reportedly opened fire at the police team, firing around three rounds in an attempt to escape. In retaliation and self-defense, police fired back, injuring him in the leg.

Following the encounter, police rushed the injured accused to a nearby hospital. Three of his associates were also arrested from the spot. A pistol, live ammunition, and an electric wire cutter were seized during the operation.

Further investigation into the case is underway.