Odisha’s Most‑Wanted Tuna Harijan Captured After High‑Speed Chase

In a dramatic operation, Odisha police captured the state’s most‑wanted criminal, Tuna Harijan, after a 30‑km chase from Kotpad to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.

special team led by Additional SP Abhishek Panigrahi, along with Manoj Pujari, SI Srikant Kumar Behera, and constables Akshay Sil and Sonu Nayak, pursued Harijan on motorcycles before cornering him near Jagdalpur’s new bus stand.

Harijan, who has over 30 cases against him, including temple thefts and violent robberies across Koraput and Nabarangpur, attempted to flee but was overpowered at gunpoint.

On August 24, he had clashed with police, firing four rounds and attacking a police vehicle before escaping.

His criminal record includes thefts at Kumuli Jagannath temple, Kamara temple, Borigumma Bhairav temple, and Kotpad Jagannath temple.

In Nabarangpur, he allegedly tied up homeowners during robberies and mutilated an elderly victim to steal gold ornaments.

Following his arrest, Harijan was produced in court. Police expect further interrogation to reveal details of his wider criminal network.