Overview
- Two accused being brought from Rajasthan to Berhampur were shot in the legs by police on Monday after officers say the men tried to escape during transit.
- The injured men were identified as Ranjan Mallik, shot in the right leg, and Saroj Panda, shot in the left leg, and both are being treated under police custody at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
- Police say the two overpowered escort personnel, grabbed an assistant sub-inspector's revolver, fired blank shots and attempted to flee, prompting officers to fire back; an SI was also hurt and a separate case has been registered.
- Ranjan and Saroj are among a larger group arrested in the April 15 abduction and murder of Gopalpur realtor Sudhir Patra, and officials say a chargesheet in the case will be filed soon as the probe continues.
- Investigators will both pursue the murder case and review the use of force in the transit shooting, a development that could shape the timing and scope of prosecutions and custody procedures going forward.