Odisha collector stops salary of IIC for releasing seized sand-smuggling vehicles

The Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Tirtol police station in Jagatsinghpur district landed in trouble for allegedly releasing seized sand-laden vehicles at his own discretion. Taking serious note of the matter, the Jagatsinghpur District Collector on Saturday stopped the salary of the IIC Pradipta Sethy and issued him a show-cause notice for misuse of power.

According to reports, the district administration had conducted raids at Jeypore and Kilipal sand ghats during November and December, during which more than 80 sand-laden Hyva vehicles were seized for illegal sand mining. Complaints were later lodged at Tirtol police station by the District Mining Officer against the seized vehicles and the leaseholders of the sand ghats.

Meanwhile, owners of the seized vehicles had approached the Orissa High Court. After hearing the matter, the High Court directed the petitioners to submit all relevant documents within 15 days before the Tirtol IIC, Sub-Collector and District Mining Officer, seeking release of their vehicles.

However, allegedly ignoring the High Court’s direction, IIC Pradipta Sethy released the seized vehicles on his own. The act was viewed as a violation of procedure and court orders, prompting the district administration to take disciplinary action.

Also Read: Satellite survey flags nearly 19L fake paddy plots in Odisha, show-cause notice to be issued

Following this, the Collector ordered stoppage of the IIC’s salary and sought an explanation for the lapse, leading to the present action.