In Bhubaneswar, two primary suspects in a murder case from Belpahar in Jharsuguda district were injured by gunfire during an encounter with police while being arrested, officials confirmed on Tuesday. Jharsuguda SP G R Raghavendra informed reporters that law enforcement took decisive action against the individuals involved in the murder incident that occurred on Monday in Belpahar.
“We arrested three individuals related to the case yesterday. This morning, we received intelligence about the two main suspects being in Saguan Jungle near Karlakhaman UP School. Acting on this information, the Belpahar police swiftly arrived at the location. During the operation, the suspects fired at the police, prompting the officers to return fire in self-defense, resulting in injuries to Sunil Mahanand alias Tabu and Chand Banchhor,” stated the Jharsuguda SP.
He added that Chand Banchhor has three pending cases, including burglary and rioting, at Burla police station in Sambalpur district, while Sunil Mahanand is facing seven cases, including charges under the POCSO Act, burglary, and attempted dacoity.
The injured suspects were initially taken to a nearby Community Health Centre and later transferred to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. They will be arrested by police following their discharge from the hospital.
The main suspects, Chand Banchhor and Sunil Mahanand, had visited their relative Rinki Banchhor’s house on Sunday. While returning to Burla with Pradeep Banchhor and Puspa Banchhor in a hired vehicle, their car allegedly collided with the two-wheeler of victims Akash Sahoo and Rahul Mahato, leading to a heated argument.
In a fit of anger, Chand and Sunil reportedly retrieved a sharp weapon from their vehicle and attacked the two men. Mahato, critically injured, was taken to a nearby Community Health Centre but was pronounced dead by doctors, while Sahoo was moved to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, police detained three individuals—Pradeep, Puspa, and driver Chudamani Kalet—while the prime suspects, Chand and Sunil, had fled the scene.
