Bhadrak, Dec 16: A police encounter in Bhadrak on Tuesday resulted in the notorious criminal Kamalakant Das, also known as Budhia, being shot and injured. The incident occurred near Charampa malgodown when police acted on a tip-off about his movement in the area and attempted to arrest him.

At around 5:00 am, Bhadrak Town Police received information that Budhia was seen riding a bike with an associate. A six-member police team, including the IIC of Bhadrak Town Police Station, quickly moved to apprehend him. At approximately 5:15 am, police located Budhia riding a black motorcycle without a registration number.

Upon noticing the police team, Budhia reportedly fired first at the officers, including the IIC. In the ensuing exchange of fire, police shot Budhia, injuring his right leg. His associate managed to escape with the motorcycle. Budhia was arrested and taken to Bhadrak hospital in critical condition.

From Budhia, police recovered a country-made firearm and live ammunition. Police confirmed that Budhia hails from Tudigadia village in Balasore district and has around 15 criminal cases registered against him in Bhadrak and Balasore. Investigators revealed that Budhia had been involved in several serious crimes, including the looting of Rs 15 lakh near Khaira and Rs 5 lakh in Soro, where firearms were used during the robberies.