Sambalpur: A major controversy has erupted at Redhakhol Sub-Jail in Odisha’s Sambalpur district after photographs and videos went viral on Thursday, showing a senior jail official openly partying with two notorious inter-state criminals.
In the footage, Sub-Jail Chief Warder Dilip Kumar Das is allegedly seen drinking alcohol, sharing meals, and casually hanging out with Akhiland Mishra and Sunil Shankar, two dreaded cannabis syndicate kingpins from Bihar who were previously lodged in the same jail and are currently out on bail. While the chief warder appeared to be under the influence of alcohol during the gathering, these claims have not been independently verified.
Speaking to the media, DIG of Prisons (Sambalpur) Manoranjan Pratihari condemned the association, reiterating that prison guidelines strictly prohibit jail staff from maintaining personal or social contact with inmates or undertrials. “The matter is being taken very seriously. We have initiated a thorough inquiry into the incident, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found guilty of violating prison protocols,” Pratihari stated.
Meanwhile, Redhakhol Sub-Jailer Laxmikant Murmu attempted to distance the prison administration from the controversy. “What a staff member does outside the prison premises in his personal time is his private matter. No such illegal activities have taken place inside the jail compound,” Murmu told reporters. However, he added that the chief warder had been cautioned and that senior officials are aware of the situation, noting that appropriate departmental action would be taken if directed by higher authorities.
While the footage has sparked widespread public outrage over the close ties between a correctional officer and hardened criminals, whistleblower reports suggest a broader pattern of “royal treatment” for certain inmates.
A separate complaint filed by Cuttack-based human rights activist Dr. Sunil Kumar Rath accuses former jailer Upendra Jena and Chief Warder Das of providing similar illegal privileges to inmates Yash Anand and John Rights. Rath’s complaint, lodged via the Odisha Police Citizen Portal at the Redhakhol police station, alleges the smuggling of liquor concealed in tender coconuts, the use of officials’ personal phones for extortion and criminal networking in exchange for cash and gold. Rath claims to possess supporting audio clips to back these allegations.
It is further alleged that special parcels of mutton curry and gourmet food were brought from outside. Chilled soft drinks and high-end branded footwear were also delivered directly via online shopping platforms to the prison address.
Redhakhol Inspector-in-Charge Sanaya Kumar Nayak confirmed receiving the activist’s complaint but clarified that the issue falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the prison department. Police will require formal departmental direction before launching a full criminal investigation, Nayak added.