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Jharsuguda: Two notorious criminals were injured in a late-night police encounter near Karlakhaman under Belpahar police station limits in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district

The injured have been identified as Babu Banchhor and Chand Banchhor, both residents of One-R Colony under Burla police limits in Sambalpur district. They suffered bullet wounds in their legs and were admitted to Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital for treatment.

According to police, the duo were prime suspects in the murder of 22-year-old youth earlier that day.

A 22-year-old youth was murdered, and another critically injured, after criminals allegedly attacked them with machetes near Belpahar level crossing in Jharsuguda district on Monday afternoon following road rage.

Gandhi Nagar area had witnessed a road rage clash around 2 pm, when a hired four-wheeler of the criminals collided with a two-wheeler which Rahul Mahato (22) and Akash Sahu (23), both residents of Junadihi College Pada in Belpaha, were riding. A heated argument ensued, following which Chand and Babu allegedly attacked them with machetes near Belpahar level crossing. Rahul succumbed to his injuries at a nearby Community Health Centre, while critically injured Akash was shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Jharsuguda after initial treatment.

After the murder, the accused attempted to flee toward Kanika area in neighbouring Sundargarh district. A police team, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted them near Karlakhaman. The suspects opened fire on the pursuing team, which retaliated in self defence, injuring both fugitives.

Three other individuals linked to the case—Pradeep Banchhor, Puspa Banchhor, and the vehicle driver Chudamani Kalet—were earlier detained by police.