Robber shot at in encounter during escape bid

Keonjhar: An alleged interstate robber, wanted in more than 30 theft and robbery cases, was injured in a police encounter in the district early on Monday after he allegedly opened fire at police while trying to flee.Champua sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Rashmiranjan Sahu said the accused, Mohammad Nafis, 22, is suspected of being involved in several robbery cases in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.Police said Nafis was arrested from Bahalda, Mayurbhanj, on Sunday in connection with a robbery case. He was taken to a forest near Patala village around 5 am on Monday to recover valuables allegedly hidden there.During the operation, Nafis allegedly retrieved a country-made firearm concealed in the forest and fired two rounds at the police. Police retaliated in self-defence, injuring him in one of his knees. Police seized a country-made gun and gold and silver ornaments from him.