A tense police operation in Odisha’s Kendujhar district ended with a dramatic shootout near Asiya village, resulting in injuries to a notorious interstate criminal.

The individual, known as Arjun Pradhan, hails from Dasamania village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakhapura police station in Jajpur district. He suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg after engaging in a gun battle with police.

According to law enforcement sources, the clash began when a specialized police unit located Pradhan during a routine surveillance operation. Instead of surrendering, he opened fire on the officers, prompting them to return fire in self-defense. A single bullet hit Pradhan in his right leg, rendering him unable to flee.

Officials have reported that Pradhan is a well-known criminal with a vast network operating across several states. He is accused of being involved in more than 20 serious criminal cases registered in police departments in Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. For several months, law enforcement agencies from these states have been on his trail due to a series of violent crimes.

Investigators have also noted that he is the key figure behind a brazen robbery that took place on September 27, targeting a gold trader in Bantal village under the Soso police station. During that daylight attack, the trader was shot and severely injured before the assailants escaped with valuable goods.

Following the encounter on Friday, Pradhan was quickly transported to Anandapur Hospital for urgent care. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to a more advanced medical facility in Kataka, all while being heavily guarded by police.

Local police are now conducting extensive follow-up operations in the area to uncover further connections to Pradhan’s criminal network.