Bhubaneswar, Apr 11: A notorious drug mafia was injured in an encounter with police near Khandagiri Hills on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar late last night.

The accused, Sheikh Jamshed of Jharpada area in Bhubaneswar, suffered bullet injury in his left leg and has been admitted to hospital for further treatment.

Acting on a tip-off, the Special Crime Unit of the Commissionerate Police tried to arrest the drug dealer red-handed near Khandagiri, but he allegedly opened fire on police personnel. In retaliation, the police official open fire on the accused Sheikh Jamshed, leaving him critically wounded.

Several criminal case are pending against the accused at different police stations across the state, said police.

A country-made pistol and a bike have been also been recovered from the possession of the accused.

Over the last few months, the Special Squad has tackled several criminals, including two notorious robbers from Bihar, in similar encounters. The police's relentless actions against organised crime have led to the injury or capture of five criminals in the past two months, marking significant progress in their crackdown against lawlessness.