Keonjhar armed robbery accused shot in police encounter, hospitalised in Cuttack
Synopsis
A suspect linked to more than 40 criminal cases was shot in the leg after allegedly opening fire on a police team during a pre-dawn evidence-recovery operation in Keonjhar, Odisha. The incident has triggered a fresh BNS and Arms Act case, with police still hunting for Mallick's associates and the remainder of the stolen cash.
Key Takeaways
Pravat Mallick , prime accused in Keonjhar Sadar PS Case No.
311/2026 , was shot in the right leg during a police encounter on 17 June 2026 .
Mallick allegedly fired a country-made firearm at officers during recovery of stolen property near Mahuldiha Water Tank, Belda .
He is linked to the 18 May 2026 robbery of ₹8,18,100 from two panchayat-level officials at Mukuna village, Keonjhar .
Police say Mallick has more than 40 prior criminal cases involving robbery and theft.
A country-made firearm and robbery proceeds were seized; Mallick is now hospitalised at SCB Medical College, Cuttack .
A fresh case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act ; investigation is ongoing.
A prime accused in an armed robbery case was shot in the right leg during a police encounter in the Sadar Police Station area of Keonjhar district, Odisha, in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 June 2026, according to officials. The injured suspect, identified as Pravat Mallick, is currently receiving advanced treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
Who Is Pravat Mallick
Pravat Mallick is the principal accused in Keonjhar Sadar Police Station Case No. 311/2026, which relates to the looting of more than ₹8,18,100 from two panchayat-level government officials at Mukuna village under Sadar Police limits on 18 May 2026. According to police, Mallick is linked to more than 40 criminal cases involving robbery, theft, and other serious offences, making him a long-tracked suspect in the district.
How the Encounter Unfolded
A team from Sadar Police Station, Keonjhar, conducted a pre-dawn raid and apprehended Mallick. During subsequent interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the armed robbery and disclosed the location of concealed proceeds and stolen property.
According to the official statement from Keonjhar Police, while officers were accompanying Mallick to recover stolen property near Mahuldiha Water Tank, Belda, he allegedly produced a concealed country-made firearm and fired one round at the police party 'with the intention to kill the police personnel.' Officers responded with controlled retaliatory fire in self-defence, striking Mallick in his right leg. He was then overpowered and disarmed.
Recovery and Medical Treatment
A country-made firearm and cash linked to the robbery were recovered and seized from the spot. Mallick was first rushed to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital before being transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, for advanced care, where he remains hospitalised.
Legal Action and Next Steps
A fresh case has been registered against Mallick under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Keonjhar Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend Mallick's alleged associates and recover the remaining stolen property. This encounter comes amid a broader push by Odisha Police to crack down on organised robbery networks operating across rural districts.
Point of View
As courts have increasingly demanded in such cases. That Mallick is allegedly linked to 40-plus cases also points to a systemic failure of earlier custodial and bail processes in Keonjhar, which the encounter itself does not resolve. The broader question is whether rural Odisha's law-enforcement infrastructure is equipped to dismantle robbery networks, or whether one-off encounters merely decapitate them temporarily.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pravat Mallick and what was he accused of?
Pravat Mallick is the prime accused in Keonjhar Sadar Police Station Case No. 311/2026, relating to the armed robbery of ₹8,18,100 from two panchayat-level government officials at Mukuna village on 18 May 2026. Police say he is linked to more than 40 criminal cases involving robbery and theft.
What happened during the Keonjhar police encounter on 17 June 2026?
During a pre-dawn operation to recover stolen property near Mahuldiha Water Tank, Belda, Mallick allegedly produced a concealed country-made firearm and fired at the police team. Officers responded with controlled retaliatory fire in self-defence, injuring him in the right leg.
Where is Pravat Mallick being treated?
Mallick was initially taken to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital and subsequently transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, for advanced medical care.
What items were recovered at the scene?
Police recovered and seized a country-made firearm and cash linked to the armed robbery from the spot near Mahuldiha Water Tank, Belda, Keonjhar district.
What legal action has been taken following the encounter?
A fresh case has been registered against Mallick under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Police say the investigation is continuing to trace Mallick's associates and recover the remaining stolen property.
