Rourkela, 25: A group of eight armed miscreants tried to loot a roadside dhaba with the motive to loot money, during which, the dhaba owner, Gange Oram, was shot below the knee in one of his legs.
The incident took place in Bahal village under Bisra police limits here.
At the time of the incident, Gange Oram was present in his hotel along with some customers when suddenly eight miscreants allegedly barged inside the dhaba. All of them had their faces wrapped with yellow towels. They headed straight to the cash counter and demanded cash to the hotel owner.
When Oram stated that there was no money available, they forcefully opened the cash drawer and stole all the money inside. They also seized mobile phones from everyone present there. After loot, when the miscreants tried to flee the spot, police reached, ensuing a gunfight. The criminals allegedly fired at the police, prompting the security personnel to retaliate.
Meanwhile, two of the accused were injured in an encounter and were immediately taken into custody.
Both were admitted to Rourkela Government Hospital for treatment. The injured hotel owner was also initially given first aid at Bisra hospital and later shifted to Rourkela Government Hospital for further treatment.
His condition is currently stable, but he has been moved to a private hospital for surgery to remove the bullet from his leg.
