Bhubaneswar, June 16 -- One of Keonjhar's most wanted criminals, Prabhat Malik, was injured in a police encounter during an operation in the Mahuldiha forest area in the early hours of Tuesday. Police said the accused, who has over 40 criminal cases, including extortion, robbery, and other serious offences registered against him, sustained a bullet injury on his right knee.

A firearm and Rs 12,000 in cash were recovered from his possession.

According to police, Prabhat Malik was taken to the forest area in connection with the investigation of a loot case and recovery of stolen money. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed the location where the remaining cash had been concealed.

When police reached the spot around 4 am, the accuse...