Odisha Youth Injured in Police Shootout After Murder Bid Attempt

Ankit Ghosh alias Sonu, a 26‑year‑old habitual offender from Station Pada in Brajrajnagar, was injured in his right thigh and apprehended after a late‑night exchange of fire with police near OPM Ghat in Jharsuguda on Sunday night. The operation followed a woman’s complaint to the Orient police station that Ankit and his associate Vakil Rai entered her residence, threatened her with a firearm and attempted to shoot her. When the weapon misfired, the pair fled, prompting police to form a special team and launch a manhunt.

What led to the police operation?

According to the woman’s complaint lodged at the Orient police station on Sunday night, Ankit Ghosh and Vakil Rai entered her residence, threatened her with a firearm and attempted to shoot her. The weapon reportedly failed to fire, after which they fled the scene. Jharsuguda SP Gundala Reddy Raghavendra said, based on the complaint, a special police team was constituted and a manhunt launched to apprehend the accused.

What happened during the shootout?

During the operation, the special team traced Ankit and Vakil near OPM Ghat. When asked to surrender, the duo allegedly opened fire on the police party to evade arrest. The SP said despite repeated warnings to surrender, the accused continued firing, forcing the police to retaliate in defence. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Ankit sustained a bullet injury to his right thigh and was apprehended, while Vakil managed to escape.

What is the accused's background?

Preliminary investigation revealed that Ankit Ghosh has an extensive criminal record with seven cases registered against him, including offences related to attempt to murder, robbery and illegal possession of firearms under the Arms Act. These cases have been registered in Brajrajnagar, Banharpali and Orient police stations.

What steps are being taken now?

Police seized illegal firearms, live ammunition, empty cartridge cases, a motorcycle, a mobile phone and other incriminating materials from the spot; the recovered weapons and ammunition have been sent for forensic and ballistic examination. The injured accused was initially shifted to Kaliakhani hospital and later referred to Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital for treatment. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest Ankit’s accomplice Vakil Rai, who remains on the run, the SP added.

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