Lockdown 2.0: Stolen SUV Twist To Suspended Odisha Cop’s Jagannath Temple Visit

Puri: The suspended IIC of Badchana police station, Deepak Kumar Jena, had not only flouted lockdown guidelines by forcibly entering the Jagannath temple here on Sunday, but allegedly used a stolen SUV to travel to Puri as well.

In a further audacity, the errant policeman had installed a red beacon on the SUV before going to Puri with his family, the vehicle owner, Sushant Dalei, complained to the Jajpur Collector and SP on Monday.

According to reports, the vehicle was stolen from Chandikhole on March 20. Next day, Dalei lodged a complaint with Badchana police, who recovered the car a few days later.

“The IIC had promised to hand over the vehicle to me after seizing it from the thieves. But I am yet to get it back even though a month has passed since the incident. Hence, I approached the Collector and SP to get it back,” Dalei told the media.

Meanwhile, DIG Central Range Ashish Singh said the IIC was not on leave and had not informed the SP about travelling to Puri.

Earlier on Monday, DGP Abhay had suspended Jena for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

“A case has been registered against Jena at the Swargadwar police station and investigation is underway,” the DGP tweeted.