SAMBALPUR: A notorious criminal, identified as Md Irfan and linked to more than 24 legal cases, was injured in a police shootout near Sudunga forest on Canal road within Sadar police jurisdiction on Sunday morning.

Irfan, a resident of Sunapali, suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg and was subsequently transported to VIMSAR in Burla for medical attention.

According to law enforcement officials, a police unit intercepted Irfan along with two accomplices around 5:45 am while they were riding a motorcycle. Upon noticing the police, Irfan allegedly fired three shots in a bid to flee the scene, prompting the officers to return fire with two shots.

Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra reported that the police successfully captured Irfan’s associates. However, Irfan managed to escape, during which he reportedly shot at the police. In self-defense, the officers fired back, resulting in Irfan being hit.

The accomplices have been identified as Md Arman, 28, and Deepak Kumar, 20. Authorities recovered a pistol, ammunition, and three spent cartridges from the location, as well as the motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects.

Irfan is said to have a long criminal record, with various charges including dacoity, robbery, aluminum wire theft, burglary, and drug-related offenses, filed against him at multiple police stations across western Odisha. Mishra added that investigations are ongoing to determine the involvement of Irfan’s associates in criminal activities and the reasons for their presence near Sudunga forest.