Cash in prison: Odisha Vigilance conducts raid on Sambalpur Jailer's residence

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance today conducted simultaneous raids on the official residence and paternal house of Sushant Rout, the jailer of Sambalpur circle jail from whose chamber Rs 18 lakh was recovered during a raid on June 4.

A vigilance probe on the incident had been requested by Additional Director General (Prisons) Arun Kumar Ray after suspending Rout on Thursday.

Earlier on Tuesday, a joint probe by two DIG-level officers had been ordered by Ray in connection with the seizure of the cash, 9 mobiles, narcotics and other objectionable items from the jailor's chamber.

Though Rout had stated that the seized amount was prisoners’ cash and advance for purchase of jail materials, he could not substantiate such claims during the probe.

It may be mentioned that raids had been conducted at 13 prisons across the state including Choudwar, Jharpada, Sambalpur and Keonjhar jail on June 4 to put a check on the crime syndicate operating from there.