/odishatv/media/agency_attachments/2025/07/18/2025-07-18t114635091z-640x480-otv-eng-sukant-rout-1-2025-07-18-17-16-35.png)
/odishatv/media/member_avatars/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_1/recent_photo_1730804438.webp )
Follow Us/odishatv/media/media_files/2026/02/06/odisha-cop-in-soup-after-pccf-writes-to-police-dg-over-misconduct-2026-02-06-17-52-34.jpg)
Odisha cop in soup after PCCF writes to Police DG over ‘misconduct’ Photograph: (OTV (File))
Trouble has mounted for the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Pattamundai Model Police Station in Kendrapara district following serious allegations linked to a wildlife crime investigation, sources said on Friday.
Also Read: Pangolin trafficking case in Kendrapara deepens, IIC comes under scanner
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) has written in this regard to the Director General (DG) of Police, Odisha, seeking stringent action against the IIC. Earlier, the Forest Department’s Special Secretary had also written to the Central Range Inspector General (IG) of Police regarding the matter.
Controversy had stemmed from a recent dispute between Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Gagan Mallik and the Pattamundai IIC Bandana Patra over a pangolin scale smuggling case.
During the interrogation of three accused persons arrested on charges of illegal trafficking of pangolin scales, the IIC allegedly misbehaved the ACF. It is alleged that the IIC questioned why the arrests were made without her consent, and later she threatened the ACF with false cases.
Following a formal complaint by ACF Gagan Mallik, the issue had escalated further.
As the matter drew attention at higher administrative levels, demands have intensified for strict action against Pattamundai IIC Bandana Patra, with the case now under scrutiny by senior police and forest officials.
However, no comments were received either from the IIC or the ACF in this regard.
Worth mentioning, the Forest Department had suspected an alleged nexus of Bandana Patra with the accused persons involved in the pangolin smuggling. As per allegations, the IIC had entered the Forest Department office in Rajnagar on January 21 and abused the staff.
Following the incident, Forest Department staff had met Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and demanded strict action against the IIC. The DFO stated that the matter has been reported to higher authorities as well as the Kendrapada SP for necessary action.