Odisha IIC transferred after businessman burnt alive 300 meters from police station

In the wake of growing controversy, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Kudanagari Police Station in Odisha’s Kendrapara district was transferred to the district police headquarters after a businessman was allegedly burnt alive just 300 meters away from the police station.

Arabinda Sharan Mohanty posted as IIC of Kudanagari PS was transferred amid intense public outrage over the police response to a brutal murder case in the area. 

New IIC Joins

Jagannath Panigrahi, previously posted at Kendrapara police headquarters, has now been appointed as the new IIC of Kudanagari Police Station.

The transfer follows serious allegations linked to the murder of local businessman Subas Mallick. According to complaints, Mallick was allegedly burnt alive inside his shop late on Friday night. Despite the gravity of the crime, it was alleged that the local police did not treat the incident with due urgency.

What has raised further concern is the proximity of the crime scene to the police station. Kudanagari Police Station is located barely 300 metres from the site of the incident. Yet, it is alleged that police personnel took nearly four hours to reach the spot.

Questions Over Accountability

The delay has triggered sharp questions among residents. Why did the police take so long to respond to such a heinous crime? Was there negligence in the discharge of official duty? These questions have fuelled widespread discussion across the area.

Administrative Action

Taking these concerns into account, the district police administration is said to have decided on the transfer as a corrective administrative measure.