Two main suspects in a murder case from Belpahar, Odisha, were shot during a police confrontation, as confirmed by Jharsuguda SP G.R. Raghavendra. The police had recently apprehended three suspects linked to the case and were informed of the presence of the two main accused in Saguan Jungle near Karlakhaman UP School. Upon reaching the location, the accused fired at the police, leading to the police responding with controlled firing, resulting in injuries to Sunil Mahanand alias Tabu and Chand Banchhor.
Three cases, including charges of burglary and rioting, are pending against Chand Banchhor at Burla police station in Sambalpur district, while Sunil Mahanand faces seven cases, including charges under the POCSO Act, burglary, and attempted dacoity. The injured suspects were promptly taken to a nearby Community Health center and later transferred to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Once discharged, they will be taken into custody by the authorities.
Chand Banchhor and Sunil Mahanand, the main accused, had visited a relative’s house before the incident. On their way back, an altercation ensued with two victims, Akash Sahoo and Rahul Mahato, resulting in a fatal attack by Chand and Sunil. The police have already detained three individuals involved in the incident, while the prime suspects, Chand and Babu, are currently on the run.
