Odisha Operation Chakra: Bulldozer action in Puri, house of brown sugar peddler demolished

Authorities in Puri on Thursday carried out a demolition drive targeting the house of a brown sugar peddler, Sukanti Panda, at Nilachakra Nagar, marking the first such bulldozer action by Puri Police after similar operations in Bhubaneswar.

The structure, which officials said was built on encroached government land, was razed as part of the ongoing anti-narcotics initiative in the district.

Sources reported that bulldozers were deployed early in the day to dismantle the building, with police and enforcement teams supervising the eviction. According to the administration, Panda had constructed and operated the premises illegally while allegedly engaging in the narcotics trade.

Action Linked To Ongoing ‘Operation Chakra’

As per reports, Sukanti Panda is currently lodged in jail after being arrested recently for allegedly selling 200 grams of brown sugar.

Police said Thursday’s demolition is part of Operation Chakra, the district-wide crackdown aimed at making Puri ‘narcotics-free' through simultaneous enforcement, surveillance and property-related actions against repeat offenders.

Officials involved in the drive said the decision to remove the illegal structure followed verification that the house stood on government land. The demolition was finalised after obtaining the necessary administrative approvals.

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Puri Following Bhubaneswar Model

This is the first time the Puri Police has taken such action against a narcotics accused, mirroring earlier bulldozer-led demolitions in the state capital against alleged drug peddlers and illegal establishments involved in repeat offences.

Police sources said the objective is to deter organised peddling networks by targeting illegally occupied structures used as operational bases.

Footage from the eviction site showed heavy machinery entering the Nilachakra Nagar locality and removing the building under police protection. The district administration later confirmed that no resistance or law-and-order issues were reported during the operation.

Police said further verification of properties linked to narcotics accused is underway, and additional action may follow based on land records and encroachment assessments.