Two accused arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of Gopalpur-based plot trader Sudhir Patra sustained injuries during a police encounter. 

The incident occured on the outskirts of Berhampur in Odisha‘s Ganjam district on Monday while were being brought on remand from Rajasthan for crime scene recreation.

The injured accused have been identified as Ranjan Mallik of the Nuagaon police station area and Saroj Panda of the Hinjilicut police station area. Both were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, for treatment.

Escape Attempt During Transit

According to reports, police were bringing Ranjan, Saroj and two other accused from Rajasthan on remand when the incident occurred near Ratnapur on the outskirts of Berhampur.

The accused reportedly requested police personnel to stop the vehicle so they could relieve themselves. An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable accompanied them to keep watch. During this period, the two accused allegedly overpowered the police personnel, snatched the service revolver of the ASI and attempted to flee.

Reports further indicate that the accused allegedly fired blank shots from the weapon while escaping. Police subsequently opened fire in retaliation, injuring both accused before apprehending them again.

No official statement from the police was available regarding the encounter at the time of reporting.

Link To Sudhir Patra Murder Investigation

The two injured men are among those arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of Sudhir Patra, a plot trader from Gopalpur. Police had brought the accused to Odisha as part of the ongoing investigation into the case.

The incident added a new dimension to the probe, with officials expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape attempt and firearm snatching.

Criminal Background Under Investigation

According to reports, Ranjan Mallik and Saroj Panda, though natives of Ganjam district, were allegedly involved in ganja smuggling activities in Gujarat. They were reportedly arrested there and lodged in jail.

During their imprisonment, they allegedly came into contact with Surya Pratap Singh, main accused in Sudhir Patra murder case, and subsequently formed a criminal group. Reports suggest that members of the group were later linked to another murder case in Gujarat and were arrested again.

Also Read: Sudhir Patra murder case: DNA test of key accused Surya Pratap Singh underway at MKCG Hospital

After securing release from jail, they allegedly got involved in the murder of Sudhir Patra, which is currently under investigation by Odisha Police.