JHARSUGUDA, October 19: An exchange of fire between police and a notorious criminal took place in the Amdarha forest under Orient Police Station limits in Jharsuguda district on Monday morning. Wanted criminal Banti Prasad, who was allegedly involved in 17 serious criminal cases, sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during the encounter and was apprehended by the police. An illegal firearm was also seized from the spot.
According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 6 am when the Orient Police received information that Banti Prasad, a resident of the Hanuman Nagar area, was hiding in the Amdarha forest. Acting on the tip-off, a special team of Orient Police cordoned off the area and launched a combing operation to apprehend him.
When he realised that the police had surrounded the area, Banti allegedly opened fire at the police team in an attempt to escape arrest. The police personnel reportedly escaped unhurt and retaliated in a controlled manner in self-defence. During the exchange of fire, a bullet struck Banti’s left leg, causing him to fall to the ground. He was immediately apprehended and shifted to Khalia Kani Community Health Centre (CHC) for medical treatment.
Police had been searching for Banti in connection with Orient Police Station Case No. 249/2026. He is allegedly involved in around 17 serious criminal cases registered at Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar and Orient police stations. The cases reportedly include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, organised crime and illegal firearms trafficking.
Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police Gundala Raghavendra Reddy said that maintaining law and order and taking strict action against criminals remained the department’s top priorities.
According to the SP, Banti allegedly fired directly at the police team and attempted to flee, forcing the personnel to retaliate in self-defence. He further stated that the police follow a zero-tolerance policy towards organised crime and illegal arms trafficking in the district, adding that those taking the law into their own hands would not be spared.
The SP also clarified that the investigation would extend beyond Banti Prasad, with police keeping a close watch on his alleged associates and arms suppliers to trace the wider network.
The encounter has reportedly caused a stir across Brajrajnagar and the surrounding industrial belt. Police have intensified security arrangements and patrolling in the area following the incident.
