Odisha: Two Accused Injured in Police Encounter in Sudhir Patra Murder Case

The injured accused were identified as Ranjan Mallik from the Nuagaon police station area and Saroj Panda from the Hinjilicut police station area. Both were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment.

According to reports, the accused were being brought to Odisha from Rajasthan on police remand for crime scene recreation in the Sudhir Patra murder case. The incident reportedly took place near Ratnapur on the outskirts of Berhampur while police personnel were transporting four accused linked to the case.

Sources said the accused requested the police to stop the vehicle so they could relieve themselves. An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable accompanied them for security. During this time, Ranjan and Saroj allegedly overpowered the police personnel, snatched the ASI’s service revolver and attempted to escape.

The accused allegedly fired blank shots while fleeing, prompting police to retaliate. In the ensuing exchange, both accused sustained bullet injuries before being overpowered and re-arrested.

No official statement had been issued by the police regarding the encounter at the time of filing this report.

The two injured men are among several persons arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of Sudhir Patra, a plot trader from Gopalpur. Odisha Police had brought the accused from Rajasthan as part of the ongoing investigation into the sensational case.

The encounter has added a fresh dimension to the probe, with investigators likely to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape attempt and the snatching of the firearm.

According to sources, Ranjan Mallik and Saroj Panda, both natives of Ganjam district, were allegedly involved in ganja smuggling operations in Gujarat in the past. They were reportedly arrested there and lodged in jail, where they allegedly came into contact with Surya Pratap Singh, said to be the prime accused in the Sudhir Patra murder case.

Investigators suspect that the accused later formed a criminal network while in prison. Members of the group were allegedly linked to another murder case in Gujarat and had reportedly been arrested again in connection with that case.

Police suspect that after being released from jail, the accused became involved in the conspiracy and execution of Sudhir Patra’s murder. The investigation into the case is continuing.