Bhubaneswar, Feb. 8 -- One of the two accused in an opium cultivation case in the Koida area of Sundargarh district has reportedly escaped from police custody, triggering a manhunt. The incident occurred when police had taken the accused to the Koida Community Health Centre (CHC) for medical examination.

According to sources, police attempted to apprehend the accused, identified as Balaram Rahangia, a native of the Jharkhand region. During the escape attempt, police reportedly fired at his leg. Despite sustaining an injury, the accused managed to flee from the spot and evade arrest.

Police officials said they currently have no confirmed information about the whereabouts of the absconding accused. Efforts are underway to track him down, ...