Police arrest two anti-socials after exchange of fire

Police today arrested two anti-socials, including one hailing from Uttar Pradesh, after an exchange of fire with them at Karnoli in Ganjam district, about 40-kilometre from here, an officer said.
Two nine-mm pistols, six rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle were seized from them, he said.
The accused persons identified as Laxman Singh Rajput (27) of Uttar Pradesh and Tuna Gouda (25) of Kodala in Ganjam of Odisha received bullet injuries on their right legs in the exchange of fire. They were admitted at community hospital at Aska and later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, here.
During the encounter, three police personnel, including an inspector in charge of Aska police station, Santosh Kumar Jena and two other constables also received minor injures, said Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Subash Panda.

Police said while Tuna Gouda was involved in several heinous crimes like murder, dacoit and robberies in Kodala area.
The SDPO said they tried to escape from the spot by hurling bombs and fired at least six rounds to the police team. In retaliation, police also fired to them, he added.

Preliminary investigation has revealed the duo were in the area as "supari killers" hired by a person to kill another person in the area.
Acting on a tip off, police raided the area and arrested the duo before they could kill the targeted person, police said.
SDPO claimed they have identified the person who hired the anti-socials to commit crime and the person targeted to be murdered.

"They will be interrogated soon", he added.