Sambalpur: A criminal was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Sambalpur’s Sadar police station area on Sunday morning. Mohammad Irfan (38) of Sunapali, sustained a bullet injury in his left leg, while two of his associates were caught.Sambalpur additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra said, “The incident occurred around 5.45 am near Sudunga forest along Canal Road, when a Sadar police team was patrolling the area. Irfan and his two associates were travelling on a black motorcycle.” When police tried to intercept them, the trio allegedly sped away along a forest road. During the chase, police managed to catch two of them. Irfan allegedly opened fire at the police team, firing three rounds in a bid to escape.In response, police fired two controlled rounds in self-defence. One of the bullets hit Irfan in his left leg. He was shifted to Vimsar, Burla, for treatment. Police seized a pistol, ammunition, three empty cartridges, the motorcycle used in the incident and two bundles of wire from the spot. Police said Irfan is a veteran criminal with over 24 serious cases registered against him. Cases against him have been registered at police stations in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts.