Jharsuguda, May 12: Two key accused in the sensational murder case in Belapahar were injured in a police encounter after they allegedly opened fire on police during a search operation in Jharsuguda district.

The accused were identified as Sunil Mahanand alias Tabu (22) and Chand Banchhor (25), both residents of OCB Colony in Gaudpali under Burla Police Station limits in Sambalpur district.

According to a source, the duo was allegedly involved in the knife attack that took place near Belpahar railway crossing on Monday, in which one person was killed and another critically injured.

Acting on intelligence inputs that the accused were hiding near Karlakhaman under Belpahar Police Station limits, police launched a search operation.

Police said the accused allegedly tried to flee after seeing the police team and opened fire first. The duo reportedly fired four rounds at the police team.

In retaliation, police opened fire and both accused sustained bullet injuries to their thighs.

They were initially taken to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital before being shifted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research as their condition deteriorated.

Jharsuguda SP Gundala Reddy Raghavendra confirmed the development and said both accused were directly involved in the Belpahar knife attack case.

Police further revealed that the accused Sunil Mahanand is HIV positive, following which medical authorities were informed for specialised treatment arrangements.

According to police records, both accused have several serious criminal cases pending against them at Sambalpur and Burla police stations.

Earlier, police had already detained three persons in connection with the Belpahar knife attack case.

According to the investigation, the incident occurred near Gandhinagar Chhak close to Belpahar railway crossing when the accused, travelling in a car, allegedly got into an argument with Rahul Mahat and Akash Sahu, who were travelling on a bike and scooter, after a minor collision.

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The argument later turned violent, and Chand Banchhor along with Babu Banchhor, allegedly attacked Rahul and Akash with knives in a coordinated assault.

Rahul Mahat succumbed to his injuries, while Akash Sahu remains in critical condition, undergoing treatment.

Police said strict action will continue against criminals to maintain law and order in the region.