Interstate Robber Shot in Kendujhar Police Encounter

Kendujhar: An interstate robber, Mohammad Nafis from Jharkhand, was injured in a police encounter in Kendujhar district early Monday.

Nafis, wanted in over 30 theft cases across Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, was taken to Patala forest near Champua around 5 a.m. to recover stolen property.

During the operation, Nafis retrieved a country‑made firearm hidden in the forest and fired two rounds at the police while attempting to escape.

In retaliation, Champua police shot him in the right knee.

He was rushed to Champua Hospital and later referred to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital for advanced treatment.

Police seized the firearm and confirmed that further investigation will focus on identifying Nafis’ associates and dismantling the suspected interstate criminal network operating in Odisha.