Jharsuguda: Two men accused of raping a minor girl were injured in a police encounter on Saturday morning when they attempted to escape custody while being transported to a court in Jharsuguda district.
The accused, aged 22 and 20, sustained gunshot wounds to their legs near a forest area after allegedly snatching a firearm from a police officer and opening fire at the escort team.
Jharsuguda SP Smit P Parmar said the incident occurred when the accused requested the vehicle to stop, claiming health issues. “They managed to snatch a firearm and opened fire. Police responded with controlled firing in self-defence, injuring both below the knee,” Parmar said.
The duo was arrested Friday following a rape complaint filed under the Pocso Act. The girl’s brother alleged that his 15-year-old sister was kidnapped and raped by the duo on Thursday. Police sources said that the 22-year-old has two previous criminal cases against him.
The case took a serious turn when the survivor’s family reported receiving threats from the 22-year-old accused’s younger brother to withdraw the complaint.
Both accused received treatment at Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital before being produced in court. The investigation is ongoing, police said.