Barmer/Pali, June 12 -- A suspected narcotics smuggler from Barmer was injured in an encounter after allegedly opening fire while attempting to flee a checkpoint in Pali district late Wednesday, police said. According to police, personnel from Rani Police Station had set up a blockade near Nadol after receiving information that two Scorpio SUVs carrying narcotic substances were heading towards Rani. Pali superintendent of police Monika Sen said, " The smugglers attempted to evade the checkpoint by firing at the police team and driving at high speed. Police retaliated in self-defence, during which one suspect was injured." One of the accused, identified as 35-year-old Khetaram from Tilak Nagar in Barmer, sustained a bullet injury to his leg in retaliatory firing by police, police said. He was later shifted to Bangar Hospital for treatment on Thursday morning. Another accused, identified as Bhera Ram, also a resident of Barmer district, was taken into custody, police said. Police seized one Scorpio SUV loaded with suspected doda poppy, while another vehicle managed to escape from the spot. Search operations are underway to trace the absconding smugglers. Police said further investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing....