Dreaded criminal nabbed, 3 cops injured during encounter in Cuttack

Cuttack: Dreaded criminal Manua alias Manoj Swain (28) was arrested following a police encounter in Malgodown area here late last night. However, three police officials, including Malgodown police station IIC Rabi Narayan Bhanja were injured during the exchange of fire.

The cops also seized three lives bombs contained in a plastic bag from his possession. Critically-injured Manoj has been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital here for treatment.

Acting on a tip-off about the criminal’s hideout in the backside of Biswaguru Law College here, a police team led by the IIC swung into action and raided the place at around 1.30 AM. The cops spotted Manoj holding a bag containing five bombs near a water tank on the Mahanadi embankment. Seeing the cops, Manoj hurled two bombs at them injuring the IIC, SI Sunil Yadav and Havildar Gulam Mohammad. In retaliation, the cops opened fire at the criminal injuring him severely.

Police said Manoj, a resident of Birakishorepur under Ersama police limits in Jagatsinghpur district, has several cases pending against him at Chauliaganj and Malgodown police stations.