Police Open Fire on Rape Accused in Bhubaneswar After Screwdriver Attack
A 24-year-old rape accused was shot in the leg by Bhubaneswar police after he attacked an officer with a screwdriver during an arrest attempt.
In a high-tension encounter near the Chandaka area, the Bhubaneswar police were forced to open fire on a 24-year-old rape accused who violently resisted arrest. The confrontation turned dangerous when the suspect attempted to stab a police officer with a screwdriver while trying to escape the law.
The Violent Confrontation
The suspect, identified as Santosh, also known as Sreedhar Panda, was intercepted by a joint team from the Special Squad and the Nayapalli Police Station. As the officers moved to apprehend him, Panda reportedly grew extremely aggressive. In a desperate bid to break through the police cordon, he lunged at a Sub-Inspector from the Nayapalli Police Station, attempting to strike him with a screwdriver.
Faced with an immediate threat to the officer's life, the police personnel fired two rounds in self-defence. The shots struck Panda in his right leg, successfully overpowering him. Following the encounter, the accused was rushed to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar for medical treatment.
Massive Investigation Leads to Arrest
The capture of the suspect was the result of an exhaustive, multi-day manhunt. To track down the fugitive, investigative teams had to perform a massive technical sweep, which included:
- Analyzing footage from over 300 CCTV cameras across the city.
- Scanning enormous volumes of technical and digital data.
- Coordinating efforts between the Special Squad and local police stations.
A Habitual Offender
According to the Commissionerate Police, Santosh Panda is not a first-time offender but a habitual criminal with a documented history of theft and property crimes in the capital city. His criminal record includes several previous arrests and incarcerations, specifically:
- Khandagiri PS Case No. 198/2023: Charged under IPC Sections 379, 411, and 34 regarding mobile theft and stolen property.
- Tamando PS Case No. 157 (June 2023): Charged under IPC Sections 457 and 380 for house-breaking and larceny.
The police have stated that further interrogation and legal proceedings will commence as soon as the accused is medically discharged from the hospital.