Bhubaneswar, May 27: Bhubaneswar witnessed high drama on Wednesday as Commissionerate Police’s Special Crime Unit carried out an encounter against a notorious drug mafia, Papun Majhi.

The incident unfolded near Arisol under Info Valley police station limits, where Papun was allegedly planning a large-scale drug deal. Acting on credible intelligence, the Special Crime Unit raided the spot early in the morning.

On spotting the police, Papun attempted to flee on a motorcycle. When officers tried to intercept him, he opened fire with a country-made gun. In retaliation, police fired back in self-defence, hitting Papun in the leg. He collapsed on the spot and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

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Papun, a hardcore drug dealer hailing from Jagannath Prasad in Ganjam district, has long been on the radar of law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, Berhampur has also seen a spate of police encounters in recent days. On Monday night, police engaged two fugitives, Ranjan and Saroj, in Ankushpur.

Both were wanted in connection with the sensational murder of Gopalpur plot dealer Sudhir Patra. During the raid, the duo attacked police in an attempt to escape, prompting officers to retaliate. Ranjan sustained a bullet injury in his right leg, while Saroj was shot in his left leg. Both were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

Earlier, on Sunday, police had encountered another criminal, Jaga Sahoo alias Jagannath, in Sukunda. Jaga reportedly hurled bombs at police while trying to escape, but was injured in the retaliatory firing. He too was taken into custody and hospitalized.

Officials confirmed that digital evidence, weapons, and narcotics are being seized during these operations. The series of raids and encounters have sent a strong message to criminal syndicates operating in the state, underscoring the police’s determination to curb rising crime in the state.