By Aadyasha News 
Rourkela Office : Three members of an armed robbery gang operating in Sundargarh district were injured in a pre-dawn police encounter near Lathikata of Rourkela on Sunday, while five others were arrested following a chase involving a special team of the Rourkela police.
According to reports, the group had been under surveillance for its suspected involvement in a series of armed robberies across Koida and surrounding mining belts. The gang was allegedly linked to at least four major heists targeting mining personnel, transporters, and cargo operators.
Sources stated that the police team attempted to intercept the suspects around 5 am after tracking their movement in the Lathikata area.
As the operation was initiated, members of the gang reportedly tried to flee and opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. The special team retaliated with what police described as ‘controlled firing,’ leading to bullet injuries to three of the accused. The remaining five were taken into custody after resistance. Those injured were taken to the Rourkela Government Hospital for treatment.
Police reported that parts of the pursuit unfolded simultaneously across different localities, as members of the gang attempted to escape using separate routes. Multiple weapons were seized from those detained, police said, though details of the confiscated arms are yet to be fully revealed.