Caught stealing cough syrup, ASI gets suspended in Odisha’s Sambalpur

In a shocking breach of duty, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Sambalpur Town Police Station, identified as Bidyut Panda, has been suspended after being caught stealing seized contraband from the station’s own storeroom.

According to sources, Panda allegedly stole two cartons of cough syrup, which had been previously confiscated during an anti-drug operation.

The stolen items, which are often misused as narcotics, had been stored in the station's evidence room after being seized in large quantities by the police. The theft came to light following an internal complaint, prompting a swift departmental investigation.

Recovery and Suspension

Following the complaint, officials recovered the missing cartons of cough syrup from ASI Panda’s possession. The evidence recovery confirmed the allegations, leading to his immediate suspension from duty.

Sources revealed that ASI Panda had only recently been promoted before this incident occurred, which has added to the embarrassment for the local police force.

This incident has drawn criticism from civil society groups and has prompted calls for stricter oversight mechanisms regarding the handling of seized narcotics. Questions are also being raised about how such a breach was possible in a controlled and secure police facility.

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The Sambalpur Police has assured that an inquiry is underway and that any further lapses in protocol will be dealt with sternly. It is also worth noting that pharmaceutical drugs such as cough syrup are often consumed as a cheap alternative to banned narcotics, which is what has happened in this case.