Bhubaneswar, May 12 (IANS) Two prime accused in a murder case reported from Belpahar in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district sustained bullet injuries during an exchange of fire with police while they were being apprehended, officials said on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons, Jharsuguda SP G.R. Raghavendra stated that the police have taken strong action against the criminals involved in yesterday’s murder case at Belpahar.

“We apprehended three accused in connection with the case yesterday. This morning, we received information about the presence of two main accused in Saguan Jungle near Karlakhaman UP School. Acting on the tip-off, the Belpahar police immediately reached the spot. During the operation, the accused opened fire at the police. In self-defence, the police resorted to controlled firing, in which Sunil Mahanand alias Tabu and Chand Banchhor sustained injuries,” the Jharsuguda SP informed.

He further added that three cases, including burglary and rioting, are pending against Chand Banchhor at Burla police station in Sambalpur district, while Sunil Mahanand is facing seven cases, including charges under the POCSO Act, burglary and attempt to commit dacoity.

The injured duo was first rushed to a nearby Community Health center and later to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. They will be arrested by the cops after discharge from the hospital.

The main accused, Chand Banchhor and Sunil Mahanand, had come to visit their relative Rinki Banchhor’s house on Sunday. While returning to Burla in Sambalpur district along with Pradeep Banchhor and Puspa Banchhor in a hired four-wheeler, their vehicle reportedly collided with the two-wheeler of the victims, Akash Sahoo and Rahul Mahato, triggering a heated argument.

In a fit of rage, Chand and Sunil allegedly took out a sharp weapon from the vehicle and attacked the duo. Critically injured, Mahato was rushed to a nearby Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead, while Sahoo was shifted to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, the police detained three accused — Pradeep, Puspa and driver Chudamani Kalet — while the prime accused, Chand and Babu, remain absconding.

–IANS

gyan/skp