TV
In a shocking case that taints the image of law enforcement, three home guards were arrested on Tuesday by Rayagada Town Police for their alleged involvement in a loot of Rs 9 lakh in cash and a gold chain from a trader under the guise of a police operation.
Also Read: Odisha home guard smuggling cannabis on scooty arrested
The victim, Uma Reddy, a trader from Garabandh in Gajapati district, was in Rayagada to sell black turmeric, a high-value herbal commodity. At Rapukana Chhak, the trader was allegedly intercepted by a group pretending to be police, who used intimidation tactics to rob him.
Following the incident, Rayagada Town Police launched an investigation and arrested seven persons, including a woman. Among those held are two home guards from Kalyansinghpur Police Station and one from Bissamcuttack Police Station.
The incident has sparked serious questions about the misuse of uniform and authority, with calls for stricter verification and control over auxiliary police forces. Authorities say further inquiry is underway and more charges may be filed.
“So far, we have arrested a total of seven persons, which includes two homeguards from Kalyansinghpur Police Station and one from Bissamcuttack Police Station. We have seized Rs 2.83 in cash, an SUV and a motorcycle used in the crime, and six mobile phones,” Rayagada ASP, Amulya Kumar Dhar, said in a presser.
Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident and in a notable move against the illegal drug trade in Odisha, police had detained a homeguard accused of smuggling cannabis on March 12. The incident unfolded in Binika of Subarnapur district.
The homeguard, identified as Prashant Sandha, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was caught while transporting cannabis on his scooter. He was later arrested and produced in court. The cops had also arrested his accomplice in this connection.
