BERHAMPUR: At least nine policemen were injured when several villagers, including women, attacked them at Birikote under Gajapati district's Adava police station limits on Tuesday night. The incident took place when police were cracking down on illegal sale of liquor in the village during the lockdown period. The mob also vandalised a police vehicle.

Among the critically injured were a police subinspector and a constable, who are undergoing treatment at Mohana hospital. Police said the constable was referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here after his health deteriorated.

Gajapati SP Sarah Sharma said, "Massive raids were conducted in the village on Wednesday. But no one was arrested as almost all the male members fled the village after the incident fearing arrest." She added that the raids were also conducted in the nearby areas.