TV
A major law and order situation erupted in Pidiari village under Mohana police limits in Gajapati district when an attempt by the police to seize illegal ganja (cannabis) turned violent on Thursday night. A team of police personnel, led by R. Udayagiri SDPO, was attacked by an enraged mob, leaving 26 police personnel injured and several police vehicles severely damaged.
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Late-Night Raid Turns Violent
According to reports, the incident took place late on Thursday when a joint team of police personnel from Mohana and Adava police stations, under the supervision of the SDPO of R. Udayagiri, conducted a raid in Pidiari village to seize ganja. The raid was part of an intensified crackdown against drug trafficking in the region, which has seen a surge in illegal ganja cultivation in recent years.
As the police team attempted to take control of the situation and confiscate the illegal contraband, a large group of villagers suddenly turned hostile. What started as a routine operation soon escalated into chaos as the villagers, armed with sticks and other weapons, began attacking the police personnel. The officers were caught off guard as the crowd swelled, and in no time, they found themselves being overpowered.
Police Personnel Injured, Vehicles Ransacked
The situation spiraled out of control as the agitated villagers started beating up police officers, resulting in injuries to 26 personnel, including SDPO R. Udayagiri. Some of the injured officers reportedly sustained serious wounds due to the assault.
In addition to the physical attack, the mob targeted police vehicles, smashing windshields, breaking doors, and rendering five official vehicles completely unusable.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack was premeditated, with the villagers mobilizing swiftly in response to the raid. The police team, outnumbered and cornered, was left with little room to retaliate or escape.
Police Team Held Captive Overnight
The ordeal did not end there. In a shocking turn of events, the furious mob detained the police team for the entire night, refusing to let them go. The officers were reportedly confined within the village, with no immediate backup reaching them.
After hours of negotiations and intervention by higher authorities, the situation was eventually defused. The villagers relented after multiple rounds of discussions, and the police personnel were released unharmed by the morning.
Investigation Underway, Authorities Take Stock
The incident has raised serious concerns about the growing resistance against law enforcement in regions where illegal activities are rampant. Senior police officials have taken cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators behind the attack.
Sources indicate that legal action will be taken against those involved, and additional forces may be deployed in the region to prevent further incidents. Authorities have assured that strict measures will be taken to ensure the safety of police personnel engaged in anti-narcotics operations.
