19 Arrested, 50 Booked Over Vandalism At Police Station In Odisha’s Kandhamal

Phulbani: A total of 19 persons have been arrested and cases registered against 50 others, including some local leaders, in connection with the vandalism at Phiringia police station in Odisha’s Kandhamal district two days ago.

According to sources, the police swung into action and took immediate steps against those involved in the incident wherein the police station at Phiringia was ransacked and set afire by irate villagers on Saturday.

While cases have so far been registered against around 50 people, 19 of the accused have already been arrested by the police and efforts are on to nab several others.

Cases have been registered by the police against some local leaders including Phiringia block vice-chairperson, local sarpanch and samiti members. Cases were also registered against Nuapadara sarpanch, Bhrungijodi sarpanch, Sadidinga sarpanch, Uparapanga sarpanch and Phiringia sarpanch.

This apart, action has also been initiated against three police personnel who were allegedly involved in the smuggling of ganja. Inspector in-charge of Phiringia police station Tapan Kumar Nahak was on Sunday transferred over his alleged involvement in illegal trading of cannabis.

While the IIC has been transferred to the District Police Headquarters, home guards – Prashant Patra and Rabi Digal – have been placed under suspension over the same allegation.

The viral video pertaining to the alleged ganja trading is also being probed to ascertain its veracity, while police requested the locals to reopen shops in the locality and maintain peace.

According to sources, a police van loaded with cannabis was stopped by Phiringia sarpanch Jalandhar Kanhar, former sarpanch and locals while the vehicle was on its way to Budhakambha village to allegedly sell the contraband to a peddler on Thursday. They also captured the incident on their mobile phones and the videos was then sent to the SP, seeking action against the three cops.

On Saturday, hundreds of people of Phiringia  blocked Phiringia- Balikuda road demanding action against the IIC and the two home guards and other policemen alleging that the police van was being used for cannabis smuggling. As vehicular movement on the route was disrupted, Phulbani SDPO Suprasana Mallick with police force reached the spot and tried to clear the road, which angered them further. They then attacked the SDPO, entered the police station, ransacked the premises and set it on fire. The seized cannabis, weapons and a vehicle was also set ablaze during the rampage.

IG (Southern Range) Satyabrata Bhoi had told the media that the allegations against the cops were being looked into. He further added that cannabis mafia was among the agitators and strict action will be taken against the culprits.