Man wanted in 14 cases arrested after gun-battle, 2 injured

Berhampur (Odisha), Apr 29: A man, wanted in at least 14 cases and stated to be a close associate of former MLA (Sanakhemundi) Ramesh Jena, was today arrested after a brief exchange of fire in a cashew jungle at Bahadurupeta under Gopalpur police station limit, about 25-km from here, in which he and a police officer were injured.

The accused, identified as Jitu Sethi of Dura area sustained bullet injuries on his left leg and admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here but was out of danger, SP (in-charge) (Berhampur) Asish Singh said. One pistol was seized from him.

Inspector in charge, Golanthara police station Alok Jena also sustained minor injury during the exchange of fires between Sethi and police party, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Berhampur Sadara, AK Mohanty added.

At least 14 different cases, including a murder at Ashok Nagara (Berhampur), five attempts to murder, four robberies, and two rape cases were pending against him, the SP said. A warrant was also pending against him in Nabarangapur district in connection with a kidnapping case, said the SDPO.

On April 21, police had arrested Danda Moharana, another close aide of former MLA after an encounter with the police at Madhuri village under K.Nuagaon police station limit. Moharana was wanted by police in at least 24 different cases.

PTI