Boudh: Six police personnel, including three Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs), were transferred on Monday after a audio recording purportedly involving a ganja deal went viral online.
Boudh SP Kuldeep Meena effected the reshuffle after in-charge DGP Binayatosh Mishra ordered probe to verify the audio’s authenticity.
Reports indicated that the viral audio, believed to be about eight months old, allegedly captured a conversation among four individuals, including what is suspected to be an Assistant Sub-Inspector and other police staff. It reportedly discusses a police patrol’s interception of a vehicle carrying around 120 kg of tape-packed ganja near Hatgaon on Jagannath Road, during which two suspects were detained, the source of the contraband, a possible payment of Rs 4 lakh to a “saheb” to secure its release, and a previous similar attempt. Names such as Jagadala, Nalini Sir and Pranabandhu are said to feature repeatedly in the recording.
Earlier speaking to the media, the SP had stated that he was aware of the clip and that strict legal action will be taken against any personnel found colluding with the drug mafia, regardless of their rank.
The Reshuffle
Nalinikanta Das, who served as the IIC of the Boudh Model police station, has been shifted to the district police headquarters. Inspector Ranjit Muni, previously stationed at Purunakatak police station, will replace Das as the new IIC of the Boudh Model police station. Inspector Babita Sahoo, who was working at the district police headquarters, has been posted as the new IIC of the Purunakatak police station.
The reshuffle extended to the outpost level with three ASIs receiving immediate reassignment orders. ASI Pranabindu Sahooof the Baghiapada outpost has been shifted to the SP office/Boudh Range office. To fill the vacancy, ASI Brahmananda Pradhan was transferred from Janhapank outpost to head the Baghiapada outpost, while ASI Pitabas Behera was moved from the police headquarters to assume duties at Janhapank outpost.
All transferred officers have been instructed by the Boudh police administration to join their newly assigned posts immediately.