India, Sept. 13 -- A wanted criminal with more than 24 cases against him was injured in police firing after he allegedly opened fire at cops during an interception in Odisha's Sambalpur district early Sunday morning.

The incident took place around 5:45 am near Sudunga Forest on Canal Road under Sadar police station limits.

According to police, the accused, identified as Md. Irfan of Sunapali, was travelling on a motorcycle along with two associates.

Sadar police personnel intercepted the motorcycle during a checking operation. While two of the accused were apprehended, Irfan allegedly fled the spot. Police said he opened fire at the pursuing team while trying to escape.

The police team then resorted to controlled firing in self-defenc...