Odisha Police IIC suspended over ‘Ganja misappropriation’

Satish Chandra Nayak, the Inspector In-Charge (IIC) of the Sadar Police Station in Kandhamal district, was placed under suspension on Friday following allegations of misappropriating seized Ganja (cannabis).

Also Read: 3 IRB jawans dismissed from service for ‘smuggling Ganja’ in Odisha

The administrative action was taken by the Odisha Home Department, which has also directed a divisional-level inquiry into the officer’s conduct.

Official sources said that Satish Nayak had previously been transferred to the District Police Headquarters after initial complaints surfaced last month. The suspension reflects the Home Department’s effort to ensure accountability and maintain integrity in handling sensitive cases relating to the contraband items.

Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP) Harisha B.C confirmed that the investigation into the misappropriation allegations is underway, while declining to comment on the specifics related to the case.

Sources indicate that inquiries are going on to determine the extent of Nayak’s involvement and any potential lapses in the procedure.

“We have the policy of ‘zero tolerance’ for any police officer allegedly involved in Ganja trading. Whoever will be found guilty is to face action. As you have seen last year, some home guards were arrested and forwarded to court,” Kandhamal SP said in a presser.

“Recently, we also suspended a policeman for his alleged involvement. No one will be spared if found guilty in a Ganja cultivation or transportation case,” the SP stated.

“I, Odisha DGP, and the State government subscribe to this thought,” the senior cop added.

Worth mentioning, Odisha has also seen similar suspensions in the past days. Three accused jawans from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) were dismissed on April 12 from their duties following their alleged involvement in a Ganja trafficking operation in Boudh district.