In a swift and decisive operation, Sambalpur police tamed another dreaded criminal, Banti Suna, in an encounter late on Monday evening. This marks the second such encounter in just two days, sending a strong message against organised crime in the region.
Banti Suna, a habitual offender with deep links to arms smuggling, robbery, and inter-district ganja trafficking networks, was wanted in more than 16 criminal cases across Sambalpur and Balangir districts. Police said he played a key role in the Baudh-Sonepur-Sambalpur ganja smuggling syndicate, often exchanging weapons for cannabis consignments.
Acting on credible intelligence, a police team laid an ambush near Mochibahal Forest Road in Charamal police station limits as Suna was transporting a fresh consignment of ganja from Sonepur to Sambalpur through jungle routes to avoid main highways.
Around 5:40 PM, when police signalled his vehicle to stop, Suna attempted to speed away. In the process, the vehicle lost control and overturned. Suna then emerged from the wreckage and opened fire on the police party. Despite repeated warnings to surrender, he continued firing indiscriminately. Police retaliated in self-defence, resulting in Suna sustaining bullet injuries.
He was immediately rushed to Charamal Hospital and later shifted to Burla Medical College Hospital in critical condition. During the search of the vehicle, police recovered a large quantity of ganja, an ATM card, and cash. Further legal proceedings have been initiated at Charamal Police Station.
