Sambalpur: Suspected Drug Peddler Injured in Police Encounter

A suspected drug peddler was critically injured in an early morning police encounter in Sambalpur district on Sunday.

The incident occurred near Jangla village around 6:15 AM when Rengali police intercepted vehicles allegedly transporting large quantities of codeine‑mixed cough syrup.

According to police, one driver fled into the forest while another vehicle without a number plate crashed into a tree.

The driver, identified as Pritam, allegedly opened fire at the police team. Officers retaliated, injuring him in the right leg.

He was rushed to hospital and remains in critical condition.

During the operation, police seized two cars, a country‑made pistol, and a significant stock of codeine‑based cough syrup.

The encounter was part of the ongoing Nisha‑Mukt Odisha Abhiyan aimed at curbing illegal drug trafficking in the state.

Authorities have launched further investigation into the network behind the contraband transportation.