Bhubaneswar encounter: SCU nabs Papun Majhi, 25g brown sugar seized
Synopsis
A predawn SCU operation in Bhubaneswar ended with wanted criminal Papun Majhi shot and arrested after he allegedly opened fire on police. With 20-plus prior cases, a seized pistol, and 25 grams of brown sugar recovered, the encounter exposes an active narcotics-and-arms pipeline the Commissionerate Police say they are now determined to dismantle.
Key Takeaways
Papun Majhi alias Papu , 31 , was arrested by the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police on 27 May 2026 .
The encounter took place in the Info Valley police station area during the early hours of Wednesday; Majhi sustained bullet injuries.
Seized items include 25 grams of brown sugar , one 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol , and three live rounds .
Two police personnel were also injured when the accused allegedly opened fire.
Majhi is reportedly linked to more than 20 criminal cases across Bhubaneswar and Odisha.
He is currently under treatment at Capital Hospital and will be interrogated after recovery.
The Special Crime Unit (SCU) of Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar, apprehended a wanted criminal following a predawn encounter in the Info Valley police station area on 27 May 2026, in which the accused sustained bullet injuries. Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh confirmed the operation on Wednesday, identifying the arrested individual as Papun Majhi alias Papu, 31, a native of Jagannath Prasad in Ganjam district currently residing at Dumduma under Khandagiri police limits.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to Commissioner Singh, police received intelligence inputs about the presence of notorious criminals on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar under the jurisdiction of Info Valley Police Station. A team was dispatched to prevent a potential criminal incident. 'During the operation, the accused allegedly opened fire at the police, prompting the police to retaliate. In the exchange of fire, one Papun Majhi sustained bullet injuries,' Singh said.
The operation took place during the early hours of Wednesday. Police claimed Majhi had reportedly intended to deliver contraband to local peddlers in the Jatni area. Two police officials also sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.
Seizures Made During the Raid
The operation resulted in the recovery of 25 grams of brown sugar, one 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol, and three rounds of live ammunition. The seized contraband and firearm underscore what police described as an active narcotics-and-arms supply chain operating within the city.
Majhi's Criminal History
Majhi is reportedly linked to more than 20 criminal cases registered across multiple police stations in Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha over the past few years. The charges span sections of the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
A fresh case — Case No. 192/26 — has been registered at Info Valley Police Station under Sections 109(1) and 132 of the BNS, Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act.
Condition and Next Steps
Following the encounter, Majhi was shifted to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Police sources indicated he will be interrogated once he has recovered. The Commissionerate Police stated the operation 'reflects our steadfast dedication to eliminating the illegal brown sugar and firearms trade in Bhubaneswar.' Investigators are expected to pursue leads on the wider supply network once questioning begins.
Point of View
Not merely a street-level problem. The real test for the Commissionerate is not the arrest itself, but whether interrogation yields actionable intelligence on the wider supply chain before the network reconstitutes around another operator.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Papun Majhi and why was he arrested?
Papun Majhi alias Papu, 31, is a wanted criminal from Ganjam district, Odisha, who was arrested by the Special Crime Unit of Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police on 27 May 2026 after an encounter in the Info Valley area. He is reportedly linked to more than 20 criminal cases involving arms and narcotics offences.
What was seized during the Bhubaneswar encounter?
Police recovered 25 grams of brown sugar, one 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol, and three rounds of live ammunition during the operation. The contraband was allegedly meant for delivery to local peddlers in the Jatni area.
Were any police personnel injured in the encounter?
Yes, two police officials sustained injuries when the accused allegedly opened fire on the raiding team. The police team retaliated, and Majhi was shot and subsequently arrested.
What charges have been filed against Papun Majhi?
A case (No. 192/26) has been registered at Info Valley Police Station under Sections 109(1) and 132 of the BNS, Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, and Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act, in addition to his existing record spanning the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, BNS, and IPC.
What is Majhi's current condition?
Majhi is undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, following the bullet injuries sustained during the encounter. Police have said he will be interrogated once he has recovered.
