Bhubaneswar: Two criminals were injured in an encounter with police near Balianta on the city outskirts on Tuesday evening.

The duo were rushed to Capital Hospital from where they have been moved to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The police said the accused - Harihar Samal, 29, and Sushant Sahoo, 28 - gathered with their associates to plan for a loot when the police traced them. "We asked them to surrender, but the gang members opened fire at us and we retaliated. In the process, they suffered bullet injuries while other gang members fled," said a police officer. The cops also recovered two pistols and six rounds from the accused.

Deputy commissioner of police, Bhubaneswar, Satyabrata Bhoi said the accused were involved in a number of cases of loot and theft in the city. "Both were arrested several times by various police stations in the city. Besides, they are also involved in similar crimes in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur. We are verifying their antecedents," he said.

Further investigation revealed the involvement of both in the firing at Balianta last November.

The victim, Jagabandhu Sahu, a liquor shop salesman, had suffered three bullet injuries after being shot at from close range. The criminals had also decamped with Rs 5,000 from him.

"Both were released on bail five months ago and returned to criminal activities. We have been trying to nab them, but they were able to give us the slip. We are also trying to nab other gang members," said the police officer.

The police said adequate police personnel were deployed at the hospital to keep a watch on them.