Encounter / Dreaded Criminal Injured in Baleswar Police Encounter

Baleswar, Sept 4: A dreaded criminal, idntified as Lokesh Singh, sustained bullet injury to his left leg following an encounter with police near Ada Chhak under Simulia police limits in Odisha's Baleswar district late Thursday night.

The incident took place on the Ranitall–Kupari road when police attempted to intercept two suspects, leading to a fierce exchange of fire, police said.

According to sources, the criminals opened fire first after being challenged by police. In retaliatory action, police fired back, hitting Lokesh Singh in the leg. He was initially admitted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, bu later, being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment. Singh was transported under tight security in an ambulance.

Police said that Singh has multiple criminal cases registered against him both within Odisha and outside the state. Acting on intelligence inputs about his hideout in Simulia, Balasore SP formed a special team to track him down. During the chase, Singh allegedly opened fire at the police party and the police team retaliated, leaving the criminals injured on his leg.
Also Read: Bhubaneswar: Passenger Robbed of Rs14,000 in ‘Ama Bus’; Chaos Over Halt

Another accused managed to flee the scene, and a manhunt has been launched to nab him. Security has been intensified in the area, with police patrolling sensitive points and maintaining deployment at the encounter site. The Crime Branch has also been roped in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials said the encounter is being probed as per protocol. Locals in Balasore and Bhadrak districts have welcomed the police action, describing it as a strong message against hardened criminals.