A suspected drug peddler was injured in an exchange of fire with Rengali police in Sambalpur district early Sunday morning, with police claiming to have seized a large quantity of codeine-mixed cough syrup, a country-made pistol and two cars.
The accused, identified as Pritam, sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and was subsequently admitted to a nearby hospital. He is reportedly in critical condition.
According to police, the encounter took place at around 6:15 AM near Jangla village under Rengali police station limits.
Police Intercept Cars Carrying Codeine Syrup
The operation was carried out as part of the ongoing ‘Nisha-Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’ against illegal drugs.
Police said they had received information that a large quantity of codeine-mixed cough syrup was allegedly being transported in two cars from Kataka towards Katarbaga-Thelkoloi through a forest route.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of Rengali police was patrolling the Jangla-Pandoloi road when the personnel intercepted one of the vehicles and detained its driver.
According to police, another occupant of the vehicle fled into a nearby forest.
Driver Allegedly Opened Fire At Police
Meanwhile, another car, which was reportedly without a number plate, approached from behind. Police said the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a roadside tree.
When police personnel approached the vehicle, the driver allegedly opened fire in an attempt to escape.
Police said they retaliated, during which the accused sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg and was overpowered.
Codeine Syrup, Pistol Seized
Following the operation, police seized a large quantity of codeine-mixed cough syrup, a country-made pistol and two cars from the spot.
The injured accused was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police have launched a further investigation into the alleged drug transportation network and the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
