Mysterious death of ganja smuggler: Kandhamal SP suspends 2 cops, terminates 3 home guards

The Kandhamal SP on Wednesday suspended two cops and terminated three home guards for their alleged involvement in the ‘murder’ of a ‘ganja smuggler’ in the district. The five have been accused of chasing the deceased Jyestha Bandaki and mowing him down on their four-wheeler.

Subsequently, they dumped his body in Danganamu ghat under Gochapada police limits and fled away with his money, ganja, and liquor that he was smuggling. Jyestha’s family members have brought serious allegations against the ‘errant’ cops who were on duty on the unfortunate day.

After a media glare, Kandhamal SP suspended SI Ajit Kumar Behera and constable Ramchandra Nayak. Three other homeguards Abhiram Mahanand, Jagabandhu Kanhar and Ratnakar Nayak have been terminated from their jobs.

“Two officials have been suspended on the orders of Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra. They are SI Ajit Kumar Behera and havildar Ramchandra Nayak. Three other homeguards Abhiram Mahanand, Jagabandhu Kanhar and Ratnakar Nayak have been terminated from service,” informed Kandhamal Additional SP Balabhadra Deep.

He further added, “We are waiting for the post-mortem reports. We have done the crime scene recreation. The scientific team and RTO have scrutinized the vehicle to find any evidence. A scientific team and police team have also been pressed for a proper probe into the case.”

According to sources, Jyestha was a ganja smuggler from Boudh and was smuggling contraband from Kandhamal on his two-wheeler. He along with his friend was smuggling ganja when a police van chased them.

The police van then reportedly hit Jyestha’s two-wheeler, leaving him badly injured. His friend managed to escape while the cops allegedly assaulted Jyestha who was already injured, leading to his death. His body was subsequently dumped in a forest in Danganamu ghat, Jyestha’s family members alleged.

Further probe into the incident is on, Additional SP Balabhadra Deep said.