Police arrests criminal gang from Ganjam district after gunfight

A member of an inter-district dacoit gang was arrested by police after an exchange of fire in Ganjam district early Tuesday, a senior police officer said. The gangster, identified as Ananta Kumar Machhua (23) of Ranapur in Nayagarh district was arrested after an exchange of fire with the police at Gudi Dhepa village, Superintendent of Police, Brijesh Kumar Rai said.

One pistol, three live ammunition, a motorcycle and cash Rs 1,500 was seized from him, the SP said, adding that Machhua was admitted at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here for treatment. He was involved in at least 10 cases of dacoity in Ganjam, Khurda and Nayagarh districts, police said. A truck-loaded with 950 cartoons of Rum from a manufacturing unit at Gopalpur was going towards the Nirgundi in Cuttack, when a gang looted the liquor-laden truck on December 4.

After the arrest of Machhua, seven other members of the gang were also arrested by police. The police seized three vehicles, including the stolen truck and recovered 450 cartoons of rum and 10 mobile phone sets from the accused persons, the SP said.