Two Accused Injured in Police Encounter in Sudhir Patra Murder Case

The injured accused were identified as Ranjan Mallik from Nuagaon police station area and Saroj Panda from Hinjilicut police station area. Both were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment.

According to reports, the accused were being brought to Odisha from Rajasthan in police custody for the purpose of reconstructing the crime scene in the Sudhir Patra murder case. The incident reportedly took place near Ratnapur on the outskirts of Berhampur, when police personnel were transporting four accused in connection with the case.

Sources said the accused asked the police to stop the vehicle to reassure them. They were accompanied by an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable for security. During this time, Ranjan and Saroj allegedly overpowered the police personnel, snatched the ASI’s service pistol and tried to escape.

Allegedly, the suspect fired a blank cartridge while escaping, causing the police to retaliate. In the ensuing altercation, both defendants suffered gunshot wounds before being overpowered and rearrested.

At the time of filing this report, no official statement had been made by the police regarding the encounter.

The two injured men are among several arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sudhir Patra, a conspiracy dealer from Gopalpur. Odisha Police had brought the accused from Rajasthan as part of the ongoing investigation into the sensational case.

This encounter added a new dimension to the investigation; Investigators will likely examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape attempt and the smuggling of the firearm.

According to sources, Ranjan Mallik and Saroj Panda, both natives of Ganjam district, were allegedly involved in ganja smuggling operations in Gujarat in the past. They were reportedly arrested here and jailed for allegedly coming into contact with Surya Pratap Singh, who is said to be the prime accused in the Sudhir Patra murder case.

Investigators suspect the defendant later established a criminal network while in prison. Members of the group were allegedly linked to another murder case in Gujarat and were reportedly re-arrested in connection with this case.

Police suspect that the accused was involved in the conspiracy and execution of Sudhir Patra’s murder after his release from jail. The investigation into the incident continues.