Baripada: Two police personnel were suspended and a home guard was issued a show-cause notice for allegedly leaking confidential information about a raid to suspected cattle smugglers in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
Sources said the disciplinary action was initiated after a preliminary inquiry into certain developments during a special operation conducted against cattle smuggling on June 13 under the directions of the Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
As part of the statewide crackdown, police had planned simultaneous raids at two locations under Jharpokharia Police Station in Mayurbhanj district. However, one of the targeted locations yielded no results despite prior intelligence inputs, raising suspicion that the accused had been alerted about the operation.
Preliminary inquiry showed that confidential information regarding the planned raid was allegedly leaked to members of cattle smuggling network by personnel from within the police department.
Acting on the probe report, the Superintendent of Police suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ranjit Nayak and Constable Ashish Nayak, both attached to Jharpokharia Police Station, for their alleged involvement in leaking the information.
This apart, Home Guard Subrat Padhi, who was reportedly aware of the police station’s activities, has been served a show-cause notice asking him to explain his role in the matter within 30 days. Recommendation has been made for his dismissal.
According to Additional SP Deepak Kumar Gochhayat, the action was taken based on reports submitted by the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). Departmental proceedings against the accused personnel would continue.
Meanwhile, police have intensified efforts to trace and arrest the absconding members of the alleged cattle smuggling network. Authorities said surveillance has been stepped up to monitor their movements.
