Police Encounter / Second Encounter in 8 Days: Sambalpur Police Gun Down Cough Syrup Smuggler

Sambalpur, Sep 20: Sambalpur police have carried out their second encounter in just eight days, this time targeting a cough syrup smuggler.

On Saturday night, Rengali police intercepted two cars suspected of transporting contraband near the Jangla‑Pandoloi forest. During the search, officers recovered 20 cartons of cough syrup from one vehicle and four cartons from another.

One of the accused, identified as Pritam Biswal, allegedly opened fire on police during the operation. In retaliation, police shot him, leaving him critically injured. He was first admitted to Rengali Medical and later shifted to Burla Medical College for treatment.

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Police seized a 9 mm pistol, seven live rounds, and the two vehicles carrying a total of 24 cartons of cough syrup. Officials said the smugglers were attempting to transport the banned substance into Sambalpur district ahead of the festive season using vehicles without registration numbers.

This marks the second police encounter in Sambalpur within eight days. On September 13, police engaged in a shootout in the Sunapali area, targeting notorious criminal Mohammed Irfan.

Irfan, who was riding a Bajaj Pulsar bike with two associates, allegedly fired three rounds at police near Sudunga forest. Officers returned fire, hitting him in the left leg. His two associates were arrested.

Police recovered a pistol, ammunition, three empty shells, and the bike from Irfan. Authorities revealed he was involved in more than 24 serious criminal cases, including robbery, snatching, theft of aluminum wires, and illegal narcotics trade.