Vandalism at Phiringia PS: IIC transferred
A day after villagers went on a rampage and ransacked the Phiringia police station in Odisha's Kandhamal district before torching it, the inspector in charge, Tapan Kumar Nahak, was transferred on Sunday over his alleged involvement in illegal cannabis trading.
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Phulbani: A day after villagers went on a rampage and ransacked the Phiringia police station in Odisha's Kandhamal district before torching it, the inspector in charge, Tapan Kumar Nahak, was transferred on Sunday over his alleged involvement in illegal cannabis trading.
While the IIC has been transferred to the District Police Headquarters, two home guards, Prashant Patra and Rabi Digal, have been suspended on the same charge.
"Cases have been filed against more than 30 people in connection with the police station arson incident." So far, about 15 of them have been identified and questioned," said Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra.
"The viral video pertaining to the alleged ganja trading will be investigated to determine its veracity," he said, while urging residents to reopen businesses in the area.
On Thursday, a police van carrying cannabis was stopped by Phiringia sarpanch Jalandhar Kanhar, a former sarpanch, and locals while on its way to Budhakambha village to allegedly sell the contraband to a peddler. They also videotaped the incident and sent the footage to the SP, who then took action against the three cops.
On Saturday, hundreds of Phiringia residents blocked the Phiringia-Balikuda road, demanding that the IIC, two home guards, and other police officers be charged with cannabis smuggling. As vehicular traffic on the route was disrupted, Phulbani SDPO Suprasana Mallick arrived with police and attempted to clear the road, which enraged them even more. They then attacked the SDPO, broke into the police station, ransacked it, and set it on fire. During the rampage, the seized cannabis, weapons, and a vehicle were also set ablaze.
Satyabrata Bhoi, IG (Southern Range), told the media that the allegations against the cops were being investigated.
He further added that cannabis mafia was among the agitators and strict action will be taken against the culprits.
