Raurkela: Police in Odisha’s Raurkela on Wednesday took three accused on two-day remand, in connection with the recovery of four firearms and the arrest of hardened criminals who had been staying in Panposh Circuit House here.
The developments follow a late-night raid conducted by Raghunathpalli police on August 14, during which seven individuals were arrested and the weapons along with ammunition seized.
The three accused include main operative Bikash Dungri (24), along with Narayan Sahu (42) and Sagar Sahoo (32). While Bikash is named in seven prior criminal cases, Sahu faces two past charges, and Rajesh Sahu has one pending case against him, according to police records.
The accused trio are likely to questioned to trace the source of the firearms and uncover possible links to a wider network. “Three accused have been brought on a two-day remand for detailed interrogation. If required, the other four accused may also be taken on remand. Any person found linked to the case will be questioned and appropriate action taken,” said DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Kumar Rai.
Sagar allegedly supplied firearms and ammunition to the primary suspects.
The accused had been occupying the government facility since July 21, raising serious questions about how repeat offenders gained prolonged access to a high-security circuit house meant for official use. The stay came to light after social media posts, allegedly uploaded by Bikash and Narayan, purportedly showed them threatening rivals. Acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of illegal weapons, police raided the premises. While some suspects in another room attempted to flee, Bikash and Narayan in Room 107 were detained. Interrogation of the duo led to the arrest of five associates and the recovery of additional firearms. The other accused are Kartar Singh (44), Rajesh Srivastava (22), Biki Sharma (39) and Rajesh Sahu (24).
Meanwhile, police have seized the official visitor register, CCTV footage, and sent requisitions to the Panposh Sub-Collector’s office to examine booking approvals. Additionally, the role of UTech Services—the private agency contracted for security and maintenance at the facility—and its on-duty security staff is under scrutiny. “We are examining the Circuit House bookings to determine how unauthorised or anti-social elements gained entry. While the identity of the person who made the booking is being verified, anyone involved in facilitating or booking the room will be implicated as an accomplice in this criminal case,” Panposh SDPO Sushant Das.
Sources earlier claimed that a BJP leader had booked a suite at the Circuit House in his name on July 21, with the booking reportedly receiving approval from then Panposh sub-collector Chandrakanta Mallick. The accused allegedly stayed there until the August 14 raid. Police are also expected to examine the relationship between the accused and the politician. Efforts are also underway to trace and nab three other absconding individuals linked to the incident.