Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: The accused in the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman at gunpoint in Nayapalli was apprehended on Saturday following a police encounter in the Chandaka area, officials said.

Identified as Sridhar Panda, the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg after allegedly opening fire on police personnel during an escape attempt.

According to preliminary reports, the police launched an operation to capture Panda in connection with the sexual assault investigation. When cornered, he attempted to flee and fired at the team, prompting police to return fire in self-defence. Panda was subsequently overpowered, arrested, and transferred to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar for medical treatment.

The high-profile case stems from an incident late Wednesday night at the victim's rented ground-floor accommodation in Nayapalli.

According to the police complaint, a masked assailant entered the flat, threatened the resident with a weapon, and allegedly assaulted her before escaping into the night.

The victim, who shares the residence with her elder sister, was home alone at the time, while the property owner lived on the upper floor. Police noted that the victim had previously stated she was uncertain whether the weapon brandished by the attacker was a genuine firearm or a replica.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravana Vivek M deployed senior officers to the scene to spearhead the manhunt.

The police are currently examining whether Panda had prior acquaintance with the victim, despite her initial claims that the accused was an unknown stranger.