An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Sindhikela police station in Bolangir district was arrested on Saturday on charges of stealing two goats belonging to one of the residents of the area for a feast on the New Year eve.
The suspended police official has been identified as Suman Mallick.
As per reports, Mallick along with his associates allegedly stole two goats of one Sankirtana Guru and killed the animals for a feast.
However, the policeman’s act did not go unnoticed. Sankirtana’s family members and few other villagers saw Mallick and other police officials killing the goats and preparing the meat for the feast. Prior to that, they also tried to prevent the officials from killing the animals. However, the unrelenting officials threatened the villagers and killed the animals.
"My daughters and few other villagers saw the police officials dragging our goats while the animals were grazing in the field and informed us immediately. When we tried to prevent the officials from killing the goats, they threatened and assaulted us. The officials then killed our goats and ate the meat," said Sankirtana.
"We are poor people and the goats were the source of our livelihood. The police officials stole the animals and killed them. We are helpless now," he said.
Meanwhile, tension ran high in the area following the incident as hundreds of people gheraoed the Sindhikela police station demanding strict action against the erring officials.
Following discussion to pacify the angry villagers, the SP, Bolangir put Mallick under suspension.