TNI Bureau: Two alleged criminals were injured in a fresh police encounter in Odisha’s Berhampur on Tuesday, marking the third such encounter in the city within the last 24 hours.

The injured persons have been identified as Ranjan Mallik (27) of Nougaon under Bargarh police limits in Ganjam district and Saroj Panda (35) of Sikiri Padhi Sahi under Hinjili police station area.

Both sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Heavy police presence has been deployed at the hospital following the incident.

According to police sources, the two accused were involved in the high-profile kidnapping and murder case of plot businessman Sudhir Patra. They had been absconding since the incident.

Police later traced the accused to Rajasthan and detained four persons in connection with the case. While the accused were being brought to Berhampur on transit remand from Rajasthan, Ranjan and Saroj allegedly attempted to escape from police custody. Police then opened fire, injuring both of them.

Earlier on Monday morning, another alleged criminal, Jagannath Sahu alias Jaga, was also injured in a police encounter in Berhampur.