Three individuals, including a female engineering student and her boyfriend, have been apprehended for their involvement in the trade of brown sugar in Bhubaneswar.
About 275 grams of brown sugar have been confiscated from their possession. According to sources, the accused were in possession of brown sugar and were selling it to students from various colleges.
Arpit Pattnaik
Three individuals, including a female engineering student and her boyfriend, were arrested by the Excise Department for their alleged involvement in the brown sugar trade in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. A total of 275 grams of brown sugar were seized from their possession. The arrested woman has been identified as Rashmita Padhy from the Sundarapada area. Her boyfriend, Subhrajyoti, and associate, Rahul Nayak, were also apprehended.
According to sources, the accused were acquiring brown sugar and selling it to students from various colleges. Rahul claimed, "We were not selling brown sugar, but taking it. We had acquired some brown sugar for a birthday party with nearly 100 expected attendees. More girls in Bhubaneswar are using brown sugar than boys." Rashmita denied involvement, stating, "I was with my friend when the Excise Department officials intercepted our vehicle. None of my friends use brown sugar. I am not aware of any birthday party."
The three arrested individuals have been reportedly taken to court. "When a patrolling team of the Excise Department was checking vehicles near the Khordha border, a vehicle did not stop and fled at great speed. Our officials pursued the vehicle for 30 km and intercepted it. About 275 grams of brown sugar were seized from the possession of three individuals, including a woman, and they were arrested. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway," said Debasish Patel, Excise Superintendent of Bhubaneswar.
