Odisha SDPO Transferred For Under-Reporting Cash Seized During Raid On Lodge

Balangir:  Four days after police came under scanner for under-reporting of cash seized during a raid on a lodge, Kantabanji sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Hrusikesh Meher was transferred to the district police headquarters on Monday.

On Thursday, a team led by Meher arrested seven even persons from Andhra Pradesh for gambling and seized Rs 58 lakh from them during a raid on Shree Annapurna Lodge in Kantabanji. The locals, however, alleged that they were involved in human trafficking and visited the district every year to hire bonded labourers through local brokers and middlemen. It was alleged that the amount seized by the team was more than what was reported.

Confirming irregularities in the cash seized, SP Kusalkar Nitin on Friday directed Additional SP Suresh Naik to conduct an inquiry. An additional Rs 13 lakh was found at Kantabanji police station during the re-counting of the money seized. Two of the SDPO’s friends, Rajesh Verma and Sisir Agarwal, along with three middlemen were also questioned.

Refuting the allegation, Meher said he was being targeted by some people. “The money was not recovered from me. I have no idea about the seized amount,” he said.

The SP said an investigation is underway and more details will emerge soon