Odisha: Wanted criminal shot in leg after firing at police in Sambalpur
Synopsis
A wanted criminal with over 24 cases across Odisha fired three rounds at a police patrol team near Sambalpur's Sudunga Forest before dawn on Sunday — and was shot in the leg in return. The interception, part of a state-wide festive-season crackdown ordered by the DGP, ended with one arrested, two aides held, and a country-made pistol seized.
Key Takeaways
Irfan (36) , a history-sheeter linked to more than 24 criminal cases across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts, was shot in the left leg during a police interception on Sunday morning .
The encounter took place near Sudunga Forest, Canal Road , under Sadar Police Station, Sambalpur, at approximately 5:45 am .
Irfan allegedly fired three rounds from a country-made pistol; police responded with two rounds of controlled fire in self-defence.
Two associates — Md Arman (28) and Deepak Kumar (20) — were arrested at the scene; the motorcycle used was seized along with the pistol and ammunition.
Irfan is undergoing treatment at VIMSAR Medical College, Burla ; investigation is ongoing.
The action follows a directive by DGP Vinaytosh Mishra for proactive steps against anti-social elements ahead of the festive season.
A history-sheeter with over 24 criminal cases to his name was shot in the leg during a pre-dawn interception by police in Sambalpur district, Odisha, on Sunday, 14 September 2025, after he allegedly opened fire on a patrolling team attempting to stop him. Two of his associates were detained at the scene.
How the Encounter Unfolded
The incident took place near Sudunga Forest on Canal Road, under the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station, at around 5:45 am. A patrolling team intercepted three men travelling on a black Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle bearing registration number OD15 AB 3674, whom police claim were en route to commit a wire theft in the area.
Two of the three — Md Arman (28) of Ainthapali and Deepak Kumar (20) of Sonapali — were apprehended immediately. The third, identified as Md. Irfan (36) of Sonapali under Dhanupalli police station area, allegedly fled the spot.
Exchange of Fire and Injuries
During his escape bid, Irfan reportedly fired three rounds from a country-made pistol at the police personnel. The team responded with two rounds of controlled fire in self-defence, according to police. Irfan sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg and was immediately shifted to VIMSAR Medical College, Burla, in Sambalpur for treatment.
Police recovered a pistol, ammunition, and three empty cartridges from the spot. The motorcycle allegedly used by the accused was also seized.
The Accused's Criminal History
According to police, Irfan is allegedly involved in more than 24 criminal cases registered across multiple police stations in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and neighbouring districts. The cases reportedly span dacoity, robbery, aluminium wire theft, burglary, and narcotics-related offences, making him a classified history-sheeter in the region.
Context: Festive Season Crackdown
The interception comes amid a state-wide directive issued by Director General of Police, Odisha, Vinaytosh Mishra, who recently instructed police forces across the state to take proactive steps against anti-social elements ahead of the upcoming festive season. The Sambalpur encounter is among the first high-profile results of that directive.
Sambalpur Police confirmed that further investigation into the incident is currently underway, including into the exact circumstances of the firearm exchange.
Point of View
Often resulting in confrontations with career criminals who are well-known to local stations yet remain operational. Irfan's alleged involvement in more than 24 cases across multiple districts raises an accountability question: how does a repeat offender with this volume of registered cases remain at large long enough to carry a weapon and allegedly fire at officers? The DGP's directive is the right impulse, but encounters are a symptom, not a solution — the deeper test is whether the criminal justice pipeline converts arrests into convictions at a pace that actually reduces recidivism.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Md. Irfan and why was he targeted by police in Sambalpur?
Md. Irfan is a 36-year-old resident of Sonapali, Sambalpur district, classified as a history-sheeter allegedly linked to more than 24 criminal cases including dacoity, robbery, wire theft, burglary, and narcotics offences across Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and neighbouring districts. He was intercepted by a patrolling team on Sunday morning while allegedly travelling to commit a wire theft.
What happened during the police encounter near Sudunga Forest?
After two of his associates were apprehended, Irfan fled the scene and allegedly fired three rounds from a country-made pistol at police personnel. Officers responded with two rounds of controlled fire in self-defence, striking Irfan in the left leg. He was hospitalised at VIMSAR Medical College, Burla.
Who are the two associates arrested along with Irfan?
The two associates arrested are Md Arman (28) of Ainthapali and Deepak Kumar (20) of Sonapali. All three were travelling on a black Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle when the patrolling team intercepted them at around 5:45 am.
What was recovered from the scene?
Police recovered a country-made pistol, ammunition, and three empty cartridges from the spot. The motorcycle bearing registration number OD15 AB 3674, allegedly used by the accused, was also seized.
Why is Odisha police stepping up operations ahead of the festive season?
Director General of Police, Odisha, Vinaytosh Mishra, recently directed police forces across the state to take proactive steps against anti-social elements to maintain law and order during the upcoming festive season. The Sambalpur interception is among the early actions under this directive.
