Wanted Criminal Arjun Pradhan Shot in Police Encounter in Kendujhar
Kendujhar: Notorious criminal Arjun Pradhan, wanted in multiple criminal cases, was injured in a police encounter in Odisha’s Kendujhar district on Friday while police were attempting to apprehend him.
According to police sources, Arjun Pradhan sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the exchange of fire and was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Police said the accused was the prime suspect in a recent jewellery shop loot case at Bantala village under Sosa Police Station limits. He had reportedly been absconding following the incident.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs about his whereabouts, police launched a raid in the Nandipada Police Station area.
During the operation, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police team and attempted to escape.
In retaliation and self-defence, police fired back, leaving him injured.
Officials revealed that Arjun Pradhan has more than 40 criminal cases registered against him in Odisha and other states, making him one of the most wanted offenders in the region.
He is a resident of Dasamania village under Jakhapura Police Station in Jajpur district.
Following the encounter, additional police personnel reached the spot and launched further investigations.
Authorities are also probing the accused’s links to other criminal activities and networks operating across districts.
Police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
