Bhubaneswar, June 23: Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Asit Ranjan Jena, who played a key role in eliminating dreaded gangster Sheikh Haider Ali four years ago, spoke to Argus News, sharing his experience of that “daring incident” and other challenges in police service.

SI Jena has recently been elected as the President of Odisha Police Officers’ Association.

In a podcast with Editor of Argus Digital Sangram Sarangi, Jena recalled the police encounter that led to the death of Haider.

“The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 24, 2021, while Haider was being shifted from Choudwar Circle Jail to Baripada Circle Jail. During the journey, Haider requested a stop near Simulia, claiming he needed to relieve himself. Once the vehicle stopped and his handcuffs were partially removed, he snatched an AK-47 from a Havildar and threatened the escort team,” Jena said. “In response, I fired three rounds from my service revolver, wounding Haider.”

“We immediately took Haider to the Balasore district headquarters hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival there,” Jena added.

When asked about criticism levelled at the police department for alleged “fake encounter” on criminals and how he deals with it, Jena said that fake encounters, or extrajudicial killings by police, have been alleged and reported in many places but in case of Haider-encounter, the use of force was necessary to protect our team from imminent danger from the gangster.

SI Jena also said that he has recently received a clean chit from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) regarding the encounter involving gangster Haider.

However, SI Jena has seen many ups and downs in his career as he was placed under suspension six times for various reasons, often involving misconduct or dereliction of duty.

In the interview, SI Jena also spoke about how police personnel in Odisha face a complex set of challenges while discharging their duties.

WATCH: SI Asit Ranjan Jena's podcast with Argus Digital