Anti-Social Accused In Gunpoint Rape Case Injured in Odisha Police Encounter
Police said the weapon was later found to be a lighter designed to resemble a firearm or a fake gun
Bhubaneswar: An accused in the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman at gunpoint in Bhubaneswar was injured in a police encounter at Chandaka on Saturday evening after he allegedly opened fire at a police team while attempting to flee, police said.
The accused, identified as Sridhar Panda of Ganjam district, suffered two bullet injuries to his left foot and was admitted to Capital Hospital here. Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police Dr Vivek M. Saravana said Panda would be formally arrested after his recovery.
According to police, a team tracking the accused during the investigation located him in the Chandaka area. When the personnel moved to apprehend him, Panda allegedly fired two rounds and attempted to escape. The police returned fire in self-defence, injuring him.
“The accused fired two rounds at the police while attempting to escape. The police fired in self-defence,” Dr Saravana said.
Panda is accused of entering the rented house of the woman at Behera Sahi in Nayapalli on Wednesday evening when she was alone. The woman told police that the masked intruder threatened her with what appeared to be a gun and allegedly raped her before fleeing.
Police said the weapon was later found to be a lighter designed to resemble a firearm or a fake gun. The accused allegedly tied the woman with her scarf, smashed her mobile phone and threatened to shoot her if she raised an alarm.
Investigators suspect Panda had initially entered the house with the intention of stealing a mobile phone but allegedly changed his plan after finding the woman alone. Police said he had two previous cases of mobile theft against him.
CCTV footage reportedly showed Panda leaving the area and walking towards CRP Square, where he boarded an Ama Bus. He later allegedly stole a motorcycle and fled, prompting police to examine CCTV footage along his suspected route.
A scientific team also visited the crime scene and collected samples.
The Odisha State Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and directed the Bhubaneswar DCP to submit a report within 15 days.