Balangir: Tobacco products were seized from district jail in Odisha’s Balangir during a police raid on Friday morning following a clash between rival groups in the prison.
The team led by SP Rishikesh Khilari found several prohibited items, including bidis, cigarettes, lighters, a trimmer, and various food items. “Searches were carried out across 12 wards and other areas of the jail. We found several items, including khaini, bidis, lighters, cigarettes, and unauthorised food items, that are strictly banned on jail premises. A trimmer was also seized. The jailor will submit a detailed report on it,” the SP said.
On the reported clash in which a criminal, Babulu Mahanad, was attacked by a rival group, Khilari said that the jail authorities have been asked to keep the group members in separate cells and take action.
Jail Superintendent Sarbeswar Sahu said that the contraband items might have been thrown into the jail from outside. “An investigation will be conducted into presence of trimmer, which was given to the jail salon, in a cell,” he added.
Sources said that Balangir jail is overcrowded with 456 inmates, including criminals from outside the state, against its capacity for 392.
