Jharsuguda, Oct 19: A notorious criminal was injured in a gunfight with police near Amaraha forest under Orient police station in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district on Monday morning.

The accused, Bunty Prasad, a resident of Hanuman Nagar, sustained a bullet injury to his left leg after police allegedly opened fire in self-defence. He was apprehended at the spot and taken to Khaliakani Community Health Centre for medical treatment.

According to police sources, personnel from Orient police station launched a special combing operation around 6 am after receiving intelligence that Bunty was hiding near the forest. The operation was linked to a serious criminal case registered under Section 308(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25(1-B) and 27(1) of the Arms Act.

Police said the accused opened fire at the approaching team in an attempt to escape, prompting personnel to retaliate in self-defence. During the brief exchange of fire, Bunty was hit in the left leg and fell to the ground. Police subsequently overpowered him and took him into custody. Illegal weapons were also recovered from the spot.

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Police records indicate that 17 cases are pending against Bunty Prasad across Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar and Orient police stations. The cases reportedly involve allegations of attempted murder, robbery, organised crime and illegal arms trafficking.