Rs 16 lakh seized in Sambalpur Jail, ADG Prisons orders for joint probe

Bhubaneswar: After conducting surprise raids at jails across Odisha on Sunday, Additional Director General (Prisons) Arun Ray has ordered a joint probe by two DIG-level officers into the seizure of over Rs 16 lakh and mobile phones from the jailer's chamber of Sambalpur circle jail.

Ray has informed that the source of the money will be enquired upon following which stringent action will be taken against the responsible person.

A surprise raid on Sambalpur circle jail led to seizure of over Rs 16 lakh and mobile phones from the jailer’s chamber. According to reports, Rs 16.72 lakh and 9 mobile phones were recovered from jailer Sushant Rout’s chamber.

Sambalpur Superintendent of police Akhilesvar Singh said the money was seized from the almirah in the office chamber of the jailer. Moreover, 9 mobile phones, SIM cards, Ganja, liquor and other intoxicants were also recovered from the jail, he said.

Singh said the jail officials stated that the amount was prisoners cash and advance for purchase of materials for the jail.

Notably, Odisha Police had conducted raids in more than 13 prisons across Odisha on Sunday including Choudwar jail in Cuttack, Jharpada in Bhubaneswar, Keonjhar, Balasore, Berhampur and other places. Large haul of narcotics, television set, cash and other objectionable items were seized from few of these jails.

Meanwhile, Odisha government has given permission to fill up 181 posts from the 250 posts lying vacant in prisons across the State.