After getting information, a joint team comprising officials of forest, excise, and police reached the areas and destroyed the poppy plants.
It is not the first time that such an incident has been reported from the core and buffer areas of STR.
On March 10, a massive raid was conducted by a joint squad on opium plantations at Bakua and Kukurabhuka, and over 5.25 lakh plants of opium poppy were destroyed. The plants were approximately valued at Rs 10.66 crore.
On the same day, the team also destroyed 3.85 lakh plants at Jenabil, Khejuri, and Jajagada under the Jashipur range. The plants were valued at Rs 7.70 crore.
On February 24, a squad had destroyed 26 lakh opium plants in the core area. Though illegal plantations have been destroyed, no arrests have been made so far by the authorities.
Last week, the Union Home Secretary had written letters to the Chief Secretaries of seven states that have acting police chiefs. Besides Odisha, the other states are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
In the letter, the MHA has expressed dissatisfaction over ignoring the 2006 direction of the Supreme Court. It stated that the appointment of acting DGPs should be avoided or appointed in exceptional cases only and regular DGPs should be appointed with a tenure of two years.
Recently the Odisha government appointed Arun Sarangi as the acting DGP. The appointment was made by flouting the Supreme Court’s direction.
Also Read: Arun Sarangi given additional charge as Odisha DGP till joining of regular DGP
As per the rule, the state government should send three names of eligible officers to the UPSC three months ahead of the incumbent DGP’s retirement. The High-level committee will choose one of them.
Now a question arises that even though the Odisha government was aware of former DGP Sunil Bansal's retirement on December 31, why it did not send names of eligible officers.
“During election time, a DGP plays a key role. If a DGP is appointed as an officiating one, I can’t think of a more unfortunate situation than this,” said Prasanna Mishra, former secretary to the Government of India.
Former DGP Bipin Mishra said, “As the UPSC has not sent any name, what the state government should have done. So it has appointed an acting DGP who, it believes, can manage the election efficiently.”
When asked, former Odisha Home Secretary, Sanjeev Kumar Hota said, “If no letter from the UPSC is received, then there is no option but to appoint an acting DGP. But if they have received the letter, then it can be termed as a violation of the Supreme Court’s direction.”
The wife of one Gopinath Nayak had lodged a complaint against the four police personnel alleging assault on her husband. It is alleged that Nayak was beaten up by four police personnel, including an ASI, a constable, and two home guards during night patrolling near Kandaba bridge under Agarpada police limits on December 30, 2023.
Following the incident, Nayak was first admitted to the local Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital.
Bhadrak Additional SP, Bamdev Singh informed that two separate cases have been registered in connection with the incident. However, a clear picture is likely to emerge only after conducting a detailed investigation in this regard, he said.
A 1990 batch officer, Arun Kumar Sarangi along with two others was promoted to the Director General of Police rank on May 3, 2023. The other two were Sudhanshu Sarangi and YB Khurania, all from the 1990 batch.
He is presently acting as the Special DG of Police, Training, and Director of Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA).
Notably, the present DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal is all set to retire from the government service on December 31. The Odisha government had earlier allowed him to take retirement.
The Home Department, Government of Odisha, had informed about the decision through a notification earlier.
Then, it was discussed that the state government has already started the process for the appointment of a new DGP. As a part of this exercise, the state government is said to have sent a list of five IPS officers to the Central government.
The officers who are said to be in the race of the DGP are Arun Kumar Sarangi, YB Khurania, and Sudhanshu Sarangi. A 1990-batch IPS officer, Khurania is currently serving as the Special DG of Eastern Command BSF. Similarly, Sudhanshu Sarangi is currently serving as the DG of the Odisha Fire Services Department. B Radhika, presently serving as the additional DG of SSB, New Delhi, and AM Prasad posted as the DG of Prisons, Odisha, are also in the race for the DGP.
The allowances have been increased for Police Havildars, Constables and Sepoys.
Keeping in view of the dedication and continued duty for eight hours by the police personnel, the Home Department (HM) took this decision.
"The Government after careful consideration has been pleased to enhance Food Packet Allowance from Rs 50 to Rs 75 per day to Havildars, Constables, and Sepoys for performing continuous and uninterrupted duty for eight hours or more," the official notification read.
The rule will be implemented from the day of issuance of the notification.
On the other hand, the Odisha Fire Services Department personnel are wearing black badges as part of their ongoing protest demanding equal grade pay as given to the police. Apart from this, they are also demanding government recognition for the union which has been banned.
“We have been protesting for the last five years and the government is not fulfilling our demands. We demand the same grade pay as the police personnel. The union which was banned by the government should be given recognition,” said fire department personnel.
Another personnel said, “We are doing all the duties and fighting during the disasters, but the government failed to address our issues. The government should increase our pay and make it equal to the police. We will continue with our protest till our demands are not fulfilled.”
A decision regarding the procurement of sophisticated weapons and drones was taken at a high-level meeting recently held.
Weapons like corner shot weapons and ultra-modern drones are being viewed to make a difference in the fight against the Red Rebels.
The operator of corner shot weapon can easily see his enemy and fix his target. The shooter can shoot the aimed target on the right or left or even in any corner without coming to the front of the enemy.
The weapon’s bent barrel with a straight butt helps its operator open fire at the target from one angle of the right side to the left side. The camera fitted with the weapon can rotate 90 degrees. It is equipped with a day & night camera, an invisible laser with tactical flashlight.
Similarly, as per the decision taken at the meeting, the Odisha Police will procure six ultra-modern drones. These days, the Odisha Police is already using drones in the Naxal menace. But they are facing problems in night operations. The high-tech drones set to be procured can be used during the night as well. It is viewed that these drones will go a long way in improving surveillance in Mao-infested areas.
After the meeting, which was attended by officers of the Intelligence Department, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and SPs of the Mao-infested districts, DGP Sunil Bansal informed that a special emphasis has been laid on modernisation of the police force.
While informing that the police department’s major focus is presently on Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Boudh districts as they have emerged as the new flash point of Maoist activities, he appreciated the SPs of Koraput and Malkangiri for their leadership in bringing down the Naxal activities to zero in the last one-and-a-half years.
The rebels also target security personnel and election parties during movements in the naxal-infested areas. Odisha Intelligence Director, Sanjeev Panda said a joint operation with Chhattisgarh is continuing and such operations will be intensified. According to Panda, there has been a considerable improvement in the overall left-wing extremism situation in Odisha.
Naxal movement is almost zero in Koraput and Malkangiri while there is some activity in the bordering areas of Kandhamal, Boudh, and Kalahandi.
“Our focus is to combat such naxal movement and a special strategy has been drawn up ahead of the 2024 elections, We have decided to set up 11 more camps in forward areas so that elections are conducted smoothly,” said Panda.
Panda further informed that Odisha Police will soon purchase six advanced drones which will be used in anti-naxal operations. The technical evaluation process for the same has been completed, he said.
Senior officials of Odisha Police from 10 naxal-infested districts attended the meeting. Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal said Director Intelligence, ADG Operations, officials posted in naxal areas including SPs, DIGs are attending the review meeting along with senior officials of Central Agencies.
The focus on to discuss every aspect which needs to be strengthened as 2024 general elections will be held next year, said the senior cop.
“We need to remain cautious during the election period and ensure that the polls are held without any incident. Despite the deployment of forces, the presence of naxals in some pockets is also being felt and putting up posters,” said Bansal.
Bansal further informed that Odisha shares its border with Chhattisgarh and some rebels from either side crossover. “We have been able to dominate due to active cooperation from Chhattisgarh. Today’s conference will focus on finalising strategy and how can we ensure incident-free 2024 election,” Bansal added.
Bukhari was arrested by a special team of STF following a raid at Neulpur area in Jajpur district. Senior STF officials said that the accused is also wanted by Kashmir Police in relation to a case of cheating and forgery there and one non-bailable warrant is pending against him.
“It was also found that he was in touch with suspicious persons in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals too,” STF said in a release.
STF officials further informed that over 100 documents have been seized during the raid. Surprisingly, the accused was found to be impersonating a Neuro Specialist Doctor, an Army Doctor, an officer in PMO, a close associate of some high-ranking NIA officials.
The accused, Sayed Ishaan Bukhari has married at least 6-7 girls from various parts of India including Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. He was also active on various websites/ Apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating a doctor with international degrees.
Several forged documents like medical degree certificate issued by Cornel University of USA, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical college Vellore have been seized. Some blank signed documents/ affidavits/ Bonds, numerous Identity cards, ATM cards, blank Cheques, Aadhaar cards, visiting cards have also been seized.
The arrested person was identified as Debananda Samal (37) from Anandapur area.
Following an intelligence input, the STF sleuths with the help of local police on Sunday intercepted Samal's vehicle at the Silun Chowk.
“During search, contraband brown sugar weighing 520 grams, was recovered from his possession. Police have also seized a Maruti Alto Car and other incriminating materials,” an STF official said.
Debananda was arrested as he could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of such contraband materials, the official added.
The Keonjhar Town Police have registering a case against the accused under section 21(c) of the NDPS Act 1985.
“A special drive against narcotics is continuing. Since 2020, the STF has seized more than 72 kg of brown sugar/heroin, 202 grams of cocaine, 116 quintals of marijuana, opium 3 kg and has arrested more than 182 drug dealers/peddlers,” said STF sources.
Balasore SP Sagarika Nath informed that both the accused were arrested after a liquor shop owner lodged a complaint alleging that he had been duped with fake currency notes of Rs 500 denomination.
Suspecting that a racket might be operating, Nilagiri Police constituted a team and managed to nab Purnachandra. Later, a woman Binapani was subsequently arrested for her involvement in the circulation of the fake currency notes in the area, said Balasore SP.
"Both the accused were circulating the fake notes which had been printed using high-quality paper and printers. We have identified the prime accused who was actually printing the fake notes. He will be arrested soon," said Nath.
Nath further informed that despite visible differences in the duplicate notes, people were easily getting duped.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, four police officers have been nominated for Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG), while two others have been conferred President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Similarly, 11 officers from Odisha were awarded Medals for Meritorious Service.
A total of 954 Police personnel from across the country have been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, 2023.
President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) has been awarded to one CRPF personnel, Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) has been awarded to 229, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) awarded to 82 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) has been awarded to 642.
Among the majority of the 230 Gallantry Awards, 125 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, 71 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir region and 11 personnel from North East region are being awarded for their gallant action.
Among the personnel receiving Gallantry Awards, 28 are from CRPF, 33 are from Maharashtra, 55 are from J&K Police, 24 are from Chhattisgarh, 22 are from Telangana and 18 are from Andhra Pradesh the remaining from the other States/UTs and CAPFs.
President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) and Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) is awarded on the ground of Conspicuous Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals.
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) is awarded for special distinguished record in Police Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) is awarded for valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty.
List of Odisha Police Officers selected for Police Medal
Police Medal for Gallantry
Police Medal for Distinguished Service
Medal for Meritorious Service
Niteigaura Barik (30) was arrested in connection to a case registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Duleswar Sahu (23) of Bargarh district.
Barik, who hails from Balangir district, had collected the whopping amount of money from youths belonging to Bargarh, Sonepur, Balangir and Kalahandi districts and handed them fake appointment letters of BSNL without conducting any examination, said Tapan Mohanty, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bargarh.
The accused had opened two fake Facebook accounts (one in the name of S. Pradhan posing as an AGM and another one in the name of Gyanendra Barik posing him as DGM) and was chatting with different persons and inducing them to join in BSNL without any test, he said.
When the victims came to know that the appointment letters were fake, they demanded the accused to return their money.
But, instead of returning their money, Barik handed over blank signed cheques to them.
The cheques bounced due to lack of funds, the ASP said.
Mohanty said the accused had been involved in the fraud for the last around seven years and was on the run since 2017.
After getting the complaint, three special teams were formed and due to swift and effective action of Bargarh police, Barik was apprehended with some fictitious documents pertaining to this case.
The police recovered cash worth Rs13,550, two fake IDs, cheque books, fake appointment letters, a diary containing names of the victims from his possession.
The message contains a link to download a fake version of WhatsApp called ‘Pink WhatsApp’.
Fraudsters are sending the link to numerous individuals, enticing them with the promise of a revamped WhatsApp interface and exciting new features.
Recently, Odisha police issued a public advisory regarding the notorious message known as ‘Pink WhatsApp.’ The law enforcement officials have asked public to remain alert and not fall into the trap of the scamsters. People should refrain from clicking on the link or downloading the phishing application, Odisha Police tweeted.
“Beware! Pink WhatsApp is a new trap of cyber fraudsters. If you are getting any links on your mobile phone and being asked to click the link to update your WhatsApp, don’t do it. By clicking the link, your phone will be hacked and there is a possibility that the scammers will access your secret and important information,” tweeted Odisha police.
As per reports, the Pink WhatsApp scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on users through a message that falsely guarantees a logo colour update and introduces new features.
Clicking on the Pink WhatsApp link can result in various risks and detrimental consequences for users. These risks include unauthorized access to contact numbers and saved pictures, financial losses, misuse of personal credentials, spam attacks, and even complete loss of control over mobile devices.
The ASI, identified as Gourahari Meher, was allegedly attacked by the villagers for misbehaving with a woman.
According to sources, Ratnakar Pradhan and his brother Subas Pradhan approached Subalaya police station after a fight broke out between them. While police accepted the complaint of Subas, the officials reportedly turned down the complaint of Ratnakar.
After accepting Subas’ complaint, ASI Meher came to the village in plain cloth for investigation and allegedly misbehaved with Ratnakar’s wife, sources informed.
Irate over the incident, the villagers chased and thrashed Meher. Ratnakar alleged that though he met and complained about the incident to Biramaharajpur Sub Divisional Police Officer and Sonepur SP, it yielded no result.
“An altercation started between me and my brother over chopping off of a tree. Later he (Subas) registered a complaint against me. But when I approached the police, they did not accept my complaint. When I was absent, the ASI misbehaved with my wife,” Ratnakar alleged.
On the other hand, the police have registered a case against seven persons of the village for attacking the ASI.
“When the ASI went to the village to investigate the matter, Ratnakar’s wife indulged in a verbal duel with him. Later, some villagers also attacked him. We have registered a case in this regard and necessary action will be taken,” said SDPO Dolamani Bhoi.
The Odisha police also warned that severe legal action will be initiated against those found trying to create communal disharmony by spreading any rumor.
Taking to twitter, the Odisha police said: "It has come to notice that some social media handles are mischievously giving a communal colour to the tragic train accident at Balasore. This is highly unfortunate."
It added,"We appeal to all concerned to desist from circulating such false and ill-motivated posts. Severe legal action will be initiated against those who are trying to create communal disharmony by spreading rumours."
Among other social media messages were some which linked a structure near the rail accident site with a particular community, which many others have condemned.
SIW’s primary role is to monitor the movement of the Maoists and pass on the necessary information to the DVF, SOG and other security forces deployed in anti-naxal operations in Odisha. The officers of SIW have showed exemplary courage and gunned down three Maoists in Taparanga Reserve Forest under M Rampur police limits based on a specific intelligence input regarding the presence of armed Maoist cadres.
The SIW initially got an intelligence tip-off regarding the presence of 20 to 30 Maoists in a camp and that some of the ultras had come to the village to buy ration. A four-member team led by DSP Atul Das reached the village and immediately alerted Kalahandi police.
As the rebels started to leave the village, the SIW team decided to go ahead with the operation all by itself without waiting for Special Operations Group (SOG). The team warned the rebels to surrender, but they opened fire. In retaliatory firing, three Maoists were killed. It is suspected that the killed Maoists belong to the KKBN division. One AK47 assault rifle and two other weapons were seized from them.
In the exchange of fire, the DSP also sustained bullet injuries and was airlifted to Bhubaneswar for treatment.
Even though the SIW is mainly concentrating on passing crucial information to the groups engaged in combing and anti-naxal operations, they still have the capability to deal with small operations on its own.
“SIW of Odisha Police have done a good operation and killed three Maoists,” said Odisha DGP on Tuesday.
ADG (Operations) Amitav Thakur said, “As AK47 has been recovered along with other weapons, we suspect that the deceased Maoists could be top cadres of KKBN division.”
Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal and other senior officials met the injured DSP at AIIMS Bhubaneswar today. After surgery, the bullet lodged in the injured DSP's body has been successfully removed by the doctors. His condition is said to be stable. Meanwhile, search and combing operation is still continuing in Kalahandi forest.
Also Read: Kalahandi encounter: Bullet removed from injured DSP’s body; combing operation continues
The injured DSP underwent surgery at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and a bullet that had lodged in the heel region was successfully removed by the doctors.
“The injured officer has sustained two bullet injuries while one had got lodged in the heel area. The bullet has been removed and the condition of the patient is stable. It will take nearly two months for the injury to heal completely,” said Dr Saroj Patra.
While speaking to the media, DGP Sunil Bansal said that the condition of the DSP is now stable. Following the encounter, forces have intensified combing operations in the area and the special operation is still continuing, he said.
“Yesterday, we had recovered one AK47 and two more weapons have been recovered today. The identities of the deceased Maoists have not been ascertained yet. We are in touch with police officials of neighbouring states in this regard,” Bansal added.
It is pertinent to mention here that three Maoists, including a senior cadre, were killed in an encounter with security personnel of the state intelligence wing (SIW) at Taperenga-Ludengad forest under Madanpur Rampur police station area of Kalahandi on Tuesday.
Well, we are talking about one such incident where a woman sub-inspector (SI) is now in the dock for allegedly committing a crime, taking bribe and kidnapping an elderly person. Such an incident has been reported from Mohana in Gajapati district.
As per the allegations, Jyotsna Ray, the lady Sub-Inspector posted at Mohana police station had initially taken a bribe of Rs 20,000 from one Prerit Majhi of Nudruj village on the pretext of releasing an auto-rickshaw that was seized on the charges of being used for ganja smuggling.
The complainant had subsequently lodged a complaint on April 25 after the lady Sub-Inspector had not released the auto-rickshaw. The matter was resolved in the presence of the then Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) where the lady Sub-Inspector Jyotsna had returned the Rs 20,000 she had taken as a bribe.
“The cop had demanded Rs 50,000 and later I had given Rs 20,000. But my work was not done. Later, they kidnapped me and forced me to give in writing that the bribe allegation levelled against her was false,” the complainant alleged.
The concerned lady Sub-Inspector was later transferred to the district headquarters after the matter came to the notice of the Superintendent of Police.
This was not the end of the story.
In order to prove that the bribery charges were false, the lady cop allegedly abducted the complainant with the help of three of her associates. The complainant was allegedly taken to Kirama forest and was threatened to write a note stating that the bribe demand by the lady cop was false.
The complainant, Prerit Majhi somehow managed to escape from the clutches of the abductors and lodged a complaint against the lady Sub-Inspector and three other associates. The matter is now under investigation.
A senior officer said, “We have registered a case and further investigation is underway. Appropriate action will be taken after a detailed investigation.”
Sahu knows it the hard way that getting a job in the police or the Indian Army is a hard row to hoe. Born in a poor family, Sahu toiled hard to get a job in the police department. Then he took a vow that he wouldn’t let the youths’ dream of joining the police or the Indian army goes asunder.
He decided to train the youths in such a way that they wouldn’t fail when they appear for any kind of physical test. A determined Sahu transformed his thought into reality and set up a training centre in 2017 and started imparting physical training to the aspirants free of cost.
The centre runs from the ground of Vikram Deb (Autonomous) College in Koraput’s Jeypore town.
Later, he decided to provide the aspirants with academic training so that they would qualify the written test. For this, he sought the help of an organization named SIWA.
As physical and academic training were given free of cost, Sahu’s camp soon became the most sought-after training camp in the locality.
Young men and women joined the camp in numbers.
In recent days, Sahu’s demand, as well as popularity, has risen significantly after 30 out of 42 candidates from his camp cleared both physical and written tests in constable recruitment exams conducted by the Koraput district police recently.
“The form fill-up was held in January, the written test in February and the physical test was held in March. Yesterday the merit list arrived and I have been selected for the post of civil constable of the Odisha Police. I am happy now as my dream of a defence job has come true,” said Priyadarshini Tripathy, who was trained by Sahu.
“After being selected for a government job, my happiness knows no bounds. This success has dwarfed the joy of passing Matric, Plus II and Plus III. My parents are also happy,” said Sanjeeb Khara, Sahu's student.
“This year, we gave a 100-day package to 42 youths. The result is before you,” said Krishna Chandra Das, member, SIWA.
A retired police officer, Shantanu Mohanty termed the achievement as a proud moment for the district. “I have no words for constable Rajesh Kumar Sahu. I wish him good health and long life so that he can continue his job and create many policemen,” said Mohanty.
Expressing his happiness, Sahu said, “In the last phase, a total of 22 youths were selected. This time, 42 youths from my camp participated. Of them, 30, including two girls, have been selected. I can say it is a great success for me.”
A live pangolin weighing around 12kg was rescued from the accused identified as Mahadev Mutkia hailing from Gandapalli under Paikamal police limits. The rescued pangolin has been handed over to Padmapur DFO for its safe custody.
On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted a raid with the help of forest officials of Bargarh Forest Division near Bijadihi Chhaka under the Padmapur police station of Bargarh district.
During the search, the raid team also recovered other incriminating materials from the possession of Mutkia. The accused could not produce any authority in support of the possession of the live pangolin for which he was detained and later handed over to Padmapur forest officials under the Bargarh forest division for necessary legal action.
Further probe in this connection is on, the DFO said.
The Indian pangolin, also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater, and ‘bajrakatpa’ in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving nocturnal mamma. It is a schedule-I protected animal under the Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule-1 provides absolute protection – offenses under this are prescribed for the highest penalties.
Since 2020, the STF and forest departments have launched a special drive against wildlife criminals/poachers in different parts of the state.
Be it cyber crime or economic offences, Odisha Police is trying its best to tackle such menace apart from regular policing and crackdown on narcotics, he said.
“We are hopeful to serve the people of Odisha with dedication. Odisha Police is giving stress on modernisation which is an evolving process. Odisha Police has a rich history of service and sacrifices made by the personnel which is an inspiration for others,” said Bansal.
The DGP further said that there has been considerable improvement in the Maoist-situation in the state.
“There are several aspects to modernisation and steps are being taken in all directions. Our focus is to increase our efficiency in tandem with the latest technology. To tackle Cyber Crime, we are relying on moderinsation of existing labs and infrastructure and capacity building of personnel,” Bansal added.
The DGP also felicitated police officers and personnel for their remarkable contributions to the department on the occasion today.
Twin City Police Commissioner, Soumendra Priyadarshi attended the Formation Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar. Awards were handed over to 19 police officers on the occasion.
“Commissionerate Police is trying its best to provide citizen-centric friendly services and there is a need to increase our service delivery mechanism with a focus on crime control and other aspects,” said Priyadarshi.
(Reported by OdishaTV Bureau)
A division bench of Chief Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Murahari Sri Raman has directed both Odisha Police and CRPF to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the widow of Pidera Kadaiska.
As per reports, Kadaiska was picked by CRPF and police on suspicion of being a Maoist and taken to Chandrapur Police Station in Rayagada district in 2010. He allegedly succumbed to injuries due to third degree in the custody of the security forces on June 3, 2010.
The division bench of Chief Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Murahari Sri Raman said it is no coincidence that the deceased tribal, who was tortured to death after being labelled a Maoist with not even an iota of evidence, belonged to the poorer sections of the society.
Advocate, Akshaya Nayak said, “A case was registered and it was justified that the judgement that investigation and action is taken against the doctors if there is no coherence between the medical report and post-mortem report.”
The court ordered payment of the compensation of Rs 10 lakh by the CRPF and the Odisha State Police within a period of eight weeks and submission of an affidavit after nine weeks.
(Reported by Gautam Panda)
The saffron party is taking such a step in protest against the alleged police excesses on Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists while they were marching towards the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday over alleged deteriorating law and order situation particularly following the murder of minister Naba Das.
Addressing a press meet at the party headquarters on Thursday, BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan informed about the party’s plan, saying the BJP is going to lodge FIRs against the DGP, the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar twin city Police Commissioner and the Bhubaneswar DCP at all the police stations.
“On March 4, the party will stage demonstrations in front of all SP offices across the state,” informed Harichandan.
“During my 35 years long student politics career, I participated in and saw many protests. During protests, scuffles with policemen, stone pelting and lathi charges are common. The police department’s job is to restrain the protesters from the barricade points. I have never seen in my 35-year-long student politics career that police resorting to sabotage a strike by arresting agitators using several Sections,” said Harichandan.
“On that day, when the BJYM activists reached Lower PMG and tried to cross the barricades, a police officer kicked one of our activists which has been captured in cameras of media channels. The police department and the Home Minister need to clarify what empowered the police officer to kick an activist. This led to a scuffle between the police and the BJYM activists. Because of this, the levying of Section 307 indicates the conspiracy of the government to sabotage our movement against deteriorating law and order situation,” lambasted Harichandan.
“The police’s job is to check the protesters from going to their targeted locations. I want to know which magistrate passed the order to kick our activists. Which police commissioner passed the order to rain blows? Which DGP ordered to trample the BJYM activists?” he asked.
“Later, the BJYM activists went to the police station to lodge a complaint against the police officers including the DGP, police commissioner and DCP. But unfortunately enough, the police didn’t register a case. This indicates that you (police officers) will resort to excesses on our activists but not coming under the purview of law,” he lashed out.
“A minister was murdered in broad daylight. A policeman murdered him. Even though more than a month has passed, the government has no answer as to what was the motive and who was behind the murder. When we are urging the state government to take corrective measures as the law and order situation is deteriorating, the government instead resorting to crushing our voices,” he added.
“If our complaint is not registered at police stations, we will have no way out but to knock on the court’s door. We will lodge complaints at the courts across the state,” he said.
(Reported by Harihar Chand, OTV)
The police have arrested as many as 22 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha members including the wing's state unit president, Irasis Acharya following violent clashes with the police during the protest in the state capital on Tuesday.
Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty on Wednesday stated that the party planned to gherao the Odisha Assembly and stage demonstration peacefully. However, if BJD or the government thinks that those who will stage demonstration will be attacked by police and party goons is really unfortunate, he said.
“In the videos, some youths in white shirts can be seen attacking the BJP activists. Who are they? Are they not BJD goons? Such BJD goons first attacked and pelted stones at the police. When police resorted to lathi-charge on BJP activists, the goons again attacked police personnel,” alleged Mohanty.
Also Read: BJP stages dharna against 'police excesses' during Bhubaneswar protest
Mohanty further said that following the incident, BJP Yuva Morcha leaders waited outside Capital Police Station for several hours, but an FIR was not registered and they were present till 3 am at the police station. It clearly speaks about the law and order situation as, despite all evidence, an FIR is not being registered in Bhubaneswar.
“CM Naveen Patnaik always says that law will take its own course. But we want to ask that is the law not same for everybody? The police personnel, who beat our BJP activists, brutally attacked and misbehaved with women workers, are they above the law,” questioned Mohanty.
“The BJP Yuva Morcha leaders and others were kept in a Barack and produced before the court in the wee hours. Those leaders who went to see them were also arrested. It shows that police slapped serious charges against them on somebody’s instruction. It is another example of how false cases are being registered by the police,” the BJP state president said.
Also Read: Clash, lathi charge mark BJP’s Naba Das murder protest in Bhubaneswar, many detained
Mohanty alleged that some people with vested interests created trouble and some police officers attacked BJP activists to please and prove their loyalty to the state government.
“Police personnel were provided beds and AC chambers at the hospital. But the BJP Yuva activists were treated on stretchers. The way Police DG and Commissioner Police gave statements shows that everything was sponsored. We are demanding a CBI probe into Naba Das murder and our agitation will continue,” said Mohanty.
Taking to Twitter, BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda also condemned the police excess on Yuva Morcha activists.
Is the Odisha government getting jittery? What else can explain the brutal police action against our young friends of @BJYM and the slapping of draconian cases.
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) March 1, 2023
I strongly condemn this & ask that our karyakartas be released immediately. pic.twitter.com/X3pDdiOz4L
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed concern over 'police excesses' on BJP leaders and activists. In a series of tweets, Pradhan wrote, “I condemn the police excess on party activists. It is concerning the way police attacked BJP Yuva Morcha activists as criminals instead of treating them as political activists. It is not healthy for the democracy the way police took action in one-sided manner.”
Meanwhile, politics is also peaking in Odisha over the incident with ruling BJD condemning the violence during the protest. The party leaders also questioned union minister’s silence over the incident. The BJD claimed that police action was part of self-defense response after they were attacked first.
“The goondaraj in the name of protests by BJP Yuva Morcha is not acceptable in a peaceful state like Odisha,” said BJD spokesperson, Srimayee Mishra.
On the other hand, BJD leader Sasmit Patra drew BJP National President JP Nadda’s attention and tweeted, “@JPNadda Ji, please have a look at this video; how Police were mercilessly beaten yesterday by BJP Yuva Morcha workers. 21 Police officers including an ACP injured, 2 Police personnel critical & shifted to SCB Medical."
BJP MLA Suryavanshi Suraj said, “The statements of the BJD spokesperson claimed that the protest was to fulfill the political ambition of a person. Why the BJD fears naming the person. The BJD also questioned why Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan did not utter a word on the incident. I want to make it clear that the matter is related to the Home Department and the concerned minister and CM Naveen Patnaik has not said anything rather the BJD wants statements from Union Minister.”
(Reported by OdishaTV Bureau)
The saffron party has accused the police of thrashing many of their workers leaving them seriously injured during their protest against Naba Das murder case and alleged deteriorating law and order situation in the State.
Several women party workers were also misbehaved by police during the protest, the BJP alleged.
Meanwhile, the national vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Arpita Aparajita Badajena has lodged a complaint at the Capital Police station in this regard and demanded stringent action against the erring police officers.
“The misbehaviour of police during the protest is not acceptable. This shows the entire administration has collapsed in Odisha,” Badajena alleged.
“The way police have arrested our party workers on the basis of video footage, similarly we demand action against the police who have misbehaved with our women workers. Stringent action should be taken against the erring officers,” said BJP leader Jatin Mohanty.
Notably, the police have arrested as many as 22 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha members including the wing's state unit president, Irasis Acharya following violent clashes with the police during a protest on Tuesday.
As per reports, the police have booked the arrested under sections 307, 332, 333, 325, 323, 353, 147, 148, 294, 224, 436, 506 and 149 of the IPC.
It is alleged that 21 police officials were injured during the scuffle between the BJP members and the police.
(Reported by Bibartan Panda, OTV)
Basanti, who was deputed at Malkangiri College on Sunday, not only provided all necessary help to an Odisha Police Constable Recruitment Examination aspirant but also took care of the latter’s four-month-old daughter like a mother.
According to sources, one Chanchala Mallick came to the examination centre with her four-month-old daughter. However, no one from the family could accompany her to take care of the infant during the examination.
When Chanchala was losing her hope, Basanti came out of the blues and took the baby in her lap paving the way for the aspirant to sit in the examination to fulfill her dreams.
The lady constable took care of the infant till the completion of the examination. Moreover, the cop did not hesitate to breastfeed the crying infant to calm the baby down.
“A lady with her four-month-old baby came to Malkangiri College to appear in the Odisha Police Constable Recruitment Examination. No one accompanied the aspirant to take care of the baby. So after taking permission from my officer, I approached the aspirant and offered her help,” said Basanti.
“The baby was with me for more than one hour. When the baby girl felt hungry, I even breastfed her. Later, I handed over the infant to the aspirant’s mother who reached the examination centre later in the day,” the lady constable added.
Moved by the lady constable’s move, Malkangiri police heaped praise on her.
Taking to Twitter, the Malkangiri Police wrote, “A candidate appearing for Constable (civil) recruitment examination today at Malkangiri was overwhelmed when Constable Basanti Chowdhary, deputed at the venue, took care of her infant baby while she was appearing for the exam. Kudos to both.”
A candidate appearing for Constable (civil) recruitment examination today at Malkangiri was overwhelmed when Constable Basanti Chowdhary, deputed at the venue, took care of her infant baby while she was appearing for the exam. Kudos to both. @digswrkoraput @DGPOdisha #womenpower pic.twitter.com/WbumtB8U7X
— Malkangiri Police (@spmalkangiri) February 26, 2023
Replying to the Tweet, one user praised the lady cop and wrote, “She is not a constable. She is a mother. Constable is just a badge she has accepted today & might remove tomm. How happy she looks.”
(Reported by Jitendra Beura, OTV)
A Bench headed by Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra ordered, “This court has no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the Police circular Order No. 393 dated 21.05.2022 conferring power of investigation on constables and CI Havildars is unsustainable in law. Therefore, the same is hereby quashed.”
Earlier, the Odisha government had approved the proposal to allow Graduate Constables and CI Havildars to investigate certain petty offenses under certain Minor Acts having punishments of up to 3 years. They were given a charge to visit crime spots, investigate the facts and circumstances of the case and take measures for the recovery and the arrest of the offenders.
For effective implementation, the Graduate Constables and CI Havildars were supposed to be trained in all aspects of the investigation, starting from registration of an FIR, and writing of case diaries to submission of the final form.
After 4 to 5 weeks of institutional training at any recognized Police Training institution, they were supposed to be given field training in the police station for a period of at least 45 days. After completion of the training, they would undergo an examination to qualify to get the power of investigation.
The High Court order further read, “Further letter dated 10.06.2022 under Annexure-7 written by the IG of Police Training, BPSPA, Odisha to All District SPs requesting them to send GC and CI Havildars for in-service training pursuant to PCO No.393 dated 21.05.2022 is also unsustainable in law in view of the fact that PCO No. 393 dated 21.05.2022 has been quashed by this court. Accordingly, the said letter dated 10.06.2022 is also hereby quashed.”
(Reported by Goutam Panda, OTV)
“Eligible candidates are requested to download the Admit Card for the Written Examination for the post of Constables (Civil) using their Login ID,” read the official notification.
Candidates who have applied for the respective posts can download the admit card through the official site of OPSSB at opssb.nic.in.
The examination will be conducted on February 26, 2023 in single shift.
Eligible candidates are requested to download the Admit Card for the Written
Examination for the post of Constables (Civil) using their Login ID
The exam will be conducted from 10 am to 12 noon. “Gates of the Examination Centres will be closed at 09:30 AM on February 26,” read the official notification.
Visit the official website at opssb.onlineregistrationforms.com
On the homepage, click on the respective link
Login using proper credentials
Admit card will be displayed on the screen
Download and take the print for future reference
This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 4790 vacancies of Constable (Civil) posts. The registration process was commenced on January 30 and ended on February 10.
For more related details candidates can check the official site of OPSSB.
While staging a demonstration on the Odisha Assembly premises on the first day of the budget session, Mishra claimed that the health minister’s killing was ‘government-sponsored’ and suspected the involvement of 5T Secretary VK Pandian and Jajpur MLA Pranab Prakash Das in the crime.
“What were the conversations between the 5T Secretary VK Pandian and Jajpur MLA Pranab Prakash Das over telephone four days prior to the murder of Naba Das. Both of them should be brought under the purview of the probe and their call records be examined,” demanded Mishra.
Mishra further alleged that Odisha Police doesn’t have the guts to probe these aspects of the case and demanded a detailed investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Earlier in the day, the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly kicked off on a stormy note with Opposition BJP and Congress creating ruckus in the House over various issues including the murder of Naba Das deteriorating law and order situation.
Alleging that the BJD-led Odisha government tried to spread lies through the Governor’s speech, the BJP members boycotted the proceedings of the House over the deteriorating law and order situation.
“Through the Governor, they (government) tried to spread lies. Maintaining the law and order is the first responsibility of the government. If a minister can be killed, what would be the situation of a common man in the state? We had demanded a CBI probe, but the government is not ready. When the lives and property of people in the state are not protected, there is no meaning of the Governor’s address,” Mishra added.
(Reported by Harihar Chand)
The Court passed the order hearing a petition against Odisha government’s notice issued on January 15, 2022 barring government job applicants from availing the age relaxation.
Apart from that, the Court also issued a notice to the State government asking why the recruitment notice should not be quashed.
Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) had invited applications for 474 Sub-Inspector posts in 2021. Though many aspirants had applied for the job, the recruitment process could not make any progress for next two years due to the Covid restrictions.
The court has scheduled March 9 as the next date for a hearing in this matter.
(Reported By Goutam Panda, OTV)
The accused has been identified as Salim Ahmmed, a resident of Manipur in Guwahati.
According to source, a team of Odisha STF and Assam police arrested the drug peddler. Earlier in December, 1.335 kg of brown sugar, a car and other incriminating materials were seized from his possession.
The STF had seized brown sugar worth over Rs 1 crore following a raid near Anuspa lake under Banki police limits in Cuttack district on December 4.
Ahmmed was wanted in STF PS case No. 29/2022 U/s. 21(c)/29 NDPS Act, 1985 and was absconding and concealing his presence at Guwahati.
Earlier, two accused- Jumesh Kumar Sahoo and Hemant Kumar Pradhan were arrested in connection with the case and forwarded to the court.
The accused was brought on transit remand after being produced in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Guwahati. He will be produced in the court of District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Cuttack.
Further investigation into the matter is on. the STF said.
(Reported by Alok Mohanty, OTV)
While addressing the press for the first time since the murder of Naba Das, the Odisha DGP, Sunil Bansal, on Thursday said that many incidents do occur even though the probability is 0.0001 per cent and nobody can think or anticipate that such incidents can occur. Its only Lord Jagannath who knows. The murder of Naba Das was one of its kind.
Our focus is now to ensure how to prevent such incidents in future and what should be our response as a citizen and police officer, said the DGP.
DGP Sunil Bansal said that preliminary deliberations with experts have started and soon discussions will be held with top agencies like the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is entrusted with the task of providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India.
“We will review the SOP and good practices followed by the SPG and to what extent we can implement those in Odisha. We will share what will be the outcome from such deliberations,” said Bansal.
Also Read: Naba Das assassination probe to take time, CFSL team to assist, says Odisha top cop
While addressing a presser, Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal today said that who is criminal is known and if we go by this and as well the confession, we can file the chargesheet in one day. But our investigation is open to include all angles or anything what we might not be seeing right now, said Bansal.
“Mere confession is generally not sufficient for conviction,” said Bansal.
Those who are in public sphere; protection is given to them for various reasons. As Naba Das was a minister and held a responsible position, provision for security was made accordingly. As per the provision and procedure, security including PSO, escort, pilot was also there on the day of the incident and we are investigating all aspects, said DGP.
“Motive is something that is hidden in the mind of a person and there is no machine to read somebody’s mind,” said Odisha DGP. To ascertain the exact motive, we need to go into the details of circumstances including the career of the accused ASI till the day of incident.
The wife of the accused ASI had informed about her husband’s bipolar disorder soon after the incident. But did it contribute to the crime? the DGP questioned.
“There are a lot of people in society who have such disorders. But whether the ASI was suffering from bipolar disorder on the day of the incident on January 29 is a technical question and I am not competent to answer this. Only experts can say to what extent it was a contributory factor,” the DGP said.
(Reported by Alok Mohanty)
Briefing the media, the top cop said, “It is tough to unravel the mystery in two or four days in such cases. Even though some facts have emerged, it will take some time.”
According to Bansal, following the murder of the health minister, the Odisha government handed over the investigation to CID, Crime Branch. ADG CB, Arun Bothra, who was in CBI and one the best officers, is camping at the spot and personally investigating the case. The entire investigation is being monitored by a retired Orissa High Court judge.
The DGP further said that Odisha Police has contacted the Central Forensic Science Laboratory to assist in the ongoing probe.
“We have contacted Central Forensic Science Laboratory and I have personally discussed the matter with Home Ministry officials and they assured us to extend all possible help. A CSFL team will also be visiting Odisha,” said Bansal.
On recovery of some material objects like paper from the sewage tank, the DGP said that it will be premature to say anything on the matter till a complete forensic examination of the papers is done.
The principle of any good investigation is to keep all options open, said the DGP. “We are not closing our minds. Whatever clue or evidence comes, we will take it to the logical conclusion,” he said.
The DGP said the principal accused, Gopal Krushna Das, was an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) when he fired at health minister Naba Das. He added that in order to ensure transparency and rule out any kind of interference in probe, all other senior officials in the district have been transferred as a ‘precaution’.
Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal said that a detailed investigation is being conducted to review all aspects as the role of the PSO is to ensure the protection of the protectee. The PSO was present on the spot when the incident occurred. “We will review and investigate what was his mistake and other lapses and the prescribed punishment,” the DGP said.
(Reported by Alok Mohanty)
The extension has been granted in accordance with the January 24 judgement of the Orissa High Court raising the upper age limit by four (04) years for the ongoing recruitment for the post of Constables (Civil) in Odisha Police.
The SSB said the advertisement issued by it now stands modified to provide the age relaxation of four years to all categories of candidates.
As per the revised age limits, the maximum age of unreserved candidates should be 27 years as on 01.01.2022, 32 for SEBC, SC, ST & Women candidates and Home Guards and 47 for Group-D candidates.
"Interested candidates may apply in online mode by visiting the websites www.odishapolice.gov.in and www.opssb.nic.in. The websites will remain open for submission of application from 30.01.2023 (09:00 AM) to 10.02.2023 (11:59 PM). The candidates who have applied earlier for the post need not apply again," the SSB said.
"All other terms and conditions of eligibility for the post shall remain unchanged," it added.
The suspended officers have been identified as Baghiapada outpost officer Sanatan Pradhan and two constables-Sanjeev Pradhan and Keshab Pradhan.
They have been accused of letting marijuana smugglers go scot-free and keeping the contraband at their quarters.
Police sources revealed that marijuana smugglers used to give kickbacks to these cops to run their businesses smoothly.
On January 16, Baghiapada outpost in-charge Pradhan had intercepted a youth and seized marijuana weighing 13 kg and a bike from him. Later, the outpost in-charge allegedly released the accused after hatching a deal with him. After letting the accused go scot-free, Pradhan reportedly hid the bike and seized ganja in his quarters.
After a complaint was lodged in this regard, an inquiry was conducted and the involvement of two constables in the crime was also established. On the basis of the investigation, the SP suspended the trio.
Apart from these three cops, many police officials are allegedly helping the marijuana smugglers to do business.
Sources said Odisha has seen a spurt in marijuana smuggling. Districts like Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Kandhamal produce huge volumes of marijuana. Tribal dwellers of these districts in particular grow the marijuana plants for which they get an advance and an unofficial contract as well. When the harvest is ready, traders send in the mules.
Reported by Deepak Adar, OTV
Ajay Jena, the inspector-in-charge of Jajpur police station, reportedly threatened OTV’s district correspondent Sanjeev Nayak when the latter was covering farmers’ agitation in front of the district collector's office.
As per sources, Nayak was covering the protest of farmers in front of Jajpur collector’s office when the IIC arrived at the spot. He reportedly tried to interrupt the live coverage of the news and snatch the camera.
After the live coverage was over, the OTV journalist tried to get the IIC’s reaction as to why he tried to prevent him from the news coverage. However, instead of giving his reply, the IIC allegedly misbehaved with him.
When the OTV journalist brought the issue to the attention of the Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinit Agrawal, the IIC lost his cool and resorted to highhandedness.
In full public view, the IIC abused the journalist and threatened to beat him up.
Meanwhile, SP Vinit Agrawal said that the matter is being inquired into.
Madhabananda Shanti, a protesting farmer of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan, confirmed that the police official shoved and misbehaved with the OTV journalist.
“It is a very shameful incident. Media plays a crucial role in democracy as it highlights the plight of the farmers. However, the police here have become the goons of the Odisha government. The police have been suppressing the farmers, now doing the same with the media,” he said.
“A situation similar to murder the democracy was created here by the police. The OTV journalist was covering the agitation when the IIC pushed aside the boom and shoved him. We strongly condemn the incident. We demand the SP to take immediate action against the IIC,” said another farmer.
Reacting to the incident, Odisha Union of Journalists (OUJ) president Prasanna Mohanty said, "When an agitation was going on, it is the responsibility of journalist to cover the news. The chief of the channel will decide the manner of the broadcast. The police have no authority to say anything and make direction in this regard. The way the journalist was misbehaved with and the words used against him is objectionable.”
“I would condemn the incident with strongest words. As a member of the press council, I will report the incident. We never seen such treatment of journalists,” he added.
(Reported by Sanjeev Nayak, OTV)
As per the notification issued by the GA & PG Department, Singh, who is posted as Jagatsinghpur Superintenent of Police (SP), is now transferred and posted as DIG, SAP.
Apart from Singh, Ganjam SP Brijesh Kumar Rai, has been promoted to the DIG rank. Rai has now been posted as DIG, Angul. SP Bhadrak
Charansingh Meena, posted as Bhadrak SP, has now been appointed as DIG, Fire Services and Home Guards.
Similarly, SP Jajpur Rahul PR has been transferred and posted as Jagatsinghpur SP. Senior IPS officer Sagarika Nath, who is posted as Sundargarh SP, has now been appointed Balasore SP.
Sudhandhu Sekhar Mishra, currently posted as SP Balasore, has been transferred and now posted as SP, Angul.
SP Angul, Jagmohan Meena is now posted as Ganjam SP.
MS L. Divya, presently posted as SP Dhenkanal, has been transferred and now posted as Vigilance SP.
Pratyush Diwakar, Nuapada SP, is now transferred and posted as SP Sundargarh.
Kandhamal SP, Vinit Agarwal, is now posted as SP Jajpur.
Koraput SP, Varun Guntupalli, is now posted as SP Bhadrak.
SDPO Baliguda, Gundala Reddy, is now posted as SP Nuadapa.
SDPO Malkangiri, Suvendu Patra, is now posted as SP Kandhamal.
SDPO Kesinga, Abhinav Sonkar, is now posted as SP Koraput.
Gyanaranjan Mohapatra, OPS at present, posted as SP Special Branch has been transferred and now posted as SP Dhenkanal.
(Reported by Harihar Chand)
According to reports, cock fighting is rampant in the rural areas of the State. On Tuesday, acting on a tip-off, a team from Malkangiri model police station conducted raids at Pedabeda village under Gangala Panchayat.
The police arrested two persons identified as Gangadhar Madkami (37) and Brajakishore Bisoi (36) and seized three roosters, and knives used in cock-fighting. While the accused persons were forwarded to court on Wednesday, the police are yet to release the fowls. It is learnt that the police have engaged a person to take care of the birds.
On the other hand, four roosters inside the cells of Simulia police station in Balasore are sharing the same plight.
Sources said there used to be cock-fighting in the backyard of a person at Manjuripur village under Muruna panchayat on the occasion of every festival. On the occasion of the X-mass holiday on December 25, such cock-fighting was also organised at the same venue.
On the basis of a tip-off, a team from Simulia police station conducted raids at the place and nabbed four persons and seized as many roosters. Later, the police registering a case let the accused persons go with serving notices but kept the birds.
It has been discussed in the locality that the cops have kept the fowls with the intention to satiate their taste buds on the occasion of the New Year’s Day celebrations.
In an indicative advertisement, the police board has intended to fill up as many as 4790 posts of constables. Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the vacancies by visiting the official websites, i.e. www.odishapolice.gov.in and www.opssb.nic.in.
As per the official notice, the websites will open for submission of applications on December 30, 2022 (9 am). The deadline to submit the application form is January 21, 2023 (11.59 pm). However, no manual application will be entertained.
The official notification further stated that the written test in OMR mode is likely to be conducted in the month of February 2023. There is no examination fee for any candidate.
“Interested candidates may access detailed advertisement giving eligibility criteria relating to age, educational qualification, district wise and category wise vacancy position, plan of examination, plan of Physical Standard Measurement and Physical Efficiency Test by visiting the official websites,” read the official notification.
“Candidates are advised to regularly visit these websites to get updates,” the notification added.
It can be mentioned here that the Odisha government on December 23 had issued an order to initiate the process to fill up the constable posts.
As per a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has given his approval to fill up these posts in four stages with an aim to enhance the capacity of the existing police force in maintaining law and order.
Alleging mismanagement in the Sub-Inspector recruitment examination 2018-19, hundreds of aspirants on Monday gheraoed Odisha Police headquarters in Cuttack and submitted a memorandum to Odisha DGP demanding a probe into the matter.
The aspirants have alleged that several candidates got the job by giving hefty bribe. Besides, they have also questioned why the Odisha Police Recruitment Board is conducting the examination instead of Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC).
"There is massive irregularity in Sub-Inspector recruitment examination 2018-19. For the first time in the history, the cutoff marks for SC, SEBC and UR category stood at 93, 94 and 95 per cent respectively," said Manoj Samantaray, an aspirant.
"The eligible candidates failed to get a job due to irregularities in the selection process. I cannot understand why Odisha Police Recruitment Board is conducting the examination instead of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission," alleged Bikram Routray, another candidate.
Meanwhile, aspirants have threatened to intensify their protest if the State government or DGP fails to take necessary steps to resolve the matter.
No comments could be obtained from Odisha DGP or recruitment board in this regard.
(Reported by Debasis Mohanty)
The Apex Court rapped both the police officials stating that they have failed in handling the situation and asked them to appear via video conference on Wednesday.
Taking a tough stand against the ongoing agitation, the SC further said that the Odisha Police should inform the Court if they can't handle the protest.
"We will deploy Central forces if the Odisha Police is unable to control the situation," the top court said.
Earlier in November, the SC expressed concerns over the lawyers’ strike seeking the establishment of permanent High Court (HC) bench n Western Odisha. The Court also served notice on the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Odisha.
The SC bench expressed anger after learning that court works have been affected badly due to lawyers’ protests in the state. The bench also slapped notice on different district bar associations asking them to make their stand on the issue.
The Court’s order came in response to a petition filed by the Orissa High Court in connection with the loss of over 2 lakh working hours in a span of nine months due to non-participation of members of different bar associations of the state in court proceedings.
On the other hand, on Monday (December 12), a scuffle broke out between policemen and lawyers, who have been demanding the setting up of the permanent High Court bench in the district, at Kacheri Chhak in Sambalpur.
The scuffle reportedly ensued between police and lawyers when the latter tried to enter the court premises by breaking the police barricades.
The video shows Mishra threatening the lessee with arrest if his demand of Rs 40,000 for allowing the lessee to take a particular two-wheeler stand on lease during Bali Yatra, isn’t met.
The lessee who is said to be the convener of the BJP State Yuva Morcha, Smruti Ranjan Mishra has recorded the conversation where he could be heard requesting Mishra to consider taking less than Rs 40,000 citing a Rs 2 lakh loss in business during Bali Yatra.
“I have already paid you Rs 20,000 in advance. Now that I have suffered loss in business, I can’t pay you the remaining Rs 20,000. Please consider something in between,” the lessee could be heard urging Mishra in the video.
But the adamant IIC says, “Nothing doing. You will have to pay up as per our arrangement. It seems we will have to arrest you.”
The BJP bayed for blood after releasing the video in a press conference in Cuttack
Addressing the presser, BJP’s Mahila Morcha State President, Smruti Patnaik said, “As we showed you in the video, the IIC of Cantonment Police Station and his subordinate have extorted lakhs of rupees from small and big businessmen during Bali Yatra.”
“We want to ask the government, who does it work for. CM Naveen Patnaik is beating his trumpet for transparency in governance as mentioned in the much-hyped 5T model of governance. We will meet the DGP tonight and demand immediate action against both the IIC and Sub-Inspector and an inquiry to ascertain who else is involved in this extortion racket.,” she demanded.
Immediately after the video went viral, IIC Mishra was transferred to Cuttack DCP office from Cantonment Police station.
(Reported By Debasis Mohanty, OTV)
Based on a tip-off, the STF conducted a raid at Sahapur Hat Padia in Jajpur district.
Two persons identified as Kamar Siyajuddin Khan of Gujidadra village and Mohammed Karim of Kantabania village were apprehended for illegally transporting the cattle, the police said.
During the search, a 16-wheel heavy lorry, Rs 34,500 in cash and other documents were also seized, they said.
The rescued animals were shifted to the nearest cattle shed at Jajpur Road for their care and safety.
A case has been registered against the duo at Panikoili Police Station under several sections of the IPC, besides the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Veterinary doctors were called as some cows were found to be sick and injured.
He failed to appear before the Central agency owing to health issues, informed Parija's lawyer.
"He could not appear before ED due to health issues. He returned from Bangkok yesterday and is suffering from cough and cold. Currently, he is in isolation," the lawyer informed.
"He (Parija) has requested ED to give a fresh date and will cooperate in the investigation of the case," he added.
ED had summoned the producer as part of its investigation into the blackmailing and extortion case.
Parija may be questioned from various angles and his involvement in the case. Reportedly, the ED has a list of questions that will be asked to Parija.
The Enforcement Directorate may question him if he had given any money before, how much Archana has taken from him and since when Archana had been blackmailing him.
Earlier, Parija had accused Archana of blackmailing him and demanding Rs 3 crore. He accused her of leaking his private videos and giving him death threats.
The Ollywood producer landed in a major controversy after the girl accused him of sexual harassment on the pretext of giving her heroine role in a movie.
A video of the two in a compromising position also went viral on social media.
Currently, both Archana and her husband are lodged in Jharpada jail.
The action was undertaken against prime accused Archana Nag, her husband Jagabandhu Chand, his alleged aide Khageshwar Patra and Sharadhanjali Behera, an associate of Nag, on November 10.
A total of seven premises in the state were searched, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement.
The raids were conducted as part of an "ongoing money-laundering investigation being carried out by the ED in a high-profile sextortion racket operated by Archana Nag and her associates by targeting influential and affluent persons", it added.
The money-laundering probe stems from two Odisha Police FIRs filed against the accused. Nag and Chand were arrested by the police last month. They are currently lodged in jail under judicial custody.
The ED arrested Patra recently and he is in the federal agency's custody till November 21, the statement said.
"Patra, an active and close associate of Archana Nag, was involved in acquiring and generating properties worth crores of rupees through extortion by way of honey-trapping high-profile and rich people and secretly making their inappropriate videos and threatening and blackmailing them for lodging false police cases against them," it said.
These videos were also posted on social media platforms, the ED said.
Despite being aware of the incident, police have shown little interest to initiate disciplinary action against the accused policeman.
Condemning the attack on lensman Rakesh Roul in public on Thursday, senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “It is a matter of shame that journalists are not safe in the state capital. Moreover, it is disgraceful that police who are supposed to providing protection to journalists abused Rakesh for no fault of his. Police silence in this case is shocking.”
He continues: “Police brutality against Rakesh has been captured in camera. That apart, what is the fault of the photo journalist? His job is to click photos and that’s what he did. Police have no rights to snatch the camera from him. I must say police atrocity against the lensman has proved that police are trying to suppress the voice of media.”
Demanding the arrest of the accused police official and his suspension Mohanty further said “Odisha Union of Journalists will not take the case lightly and will communicate with Director General of Police in this regard this evening. Besides, I will take the matter to Chief Minister.”
It was learnt that New Zealand hockey team was on its way to the stadium when Roul clicked photographs. However, it enraged a policeman who questioned him and went on to assault him.
It was alleged that the policeman, who was in a bus, got down and abused Roul before pushing him to the ground and assaulting him.
As the Tweet read, “Making ‘Fake Profile’ of anyone or impersonation on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. is cybercrime and a punishable offence. You may register such cybercrimes at the nearest police station or online at cybercrime.gov.in. Beware and be Cybersafe.”
Recently, there is a surge in reports of cyber fraud across Odisha. Many such incidents have come to the fore in which people create fake profiles on social media platforms impersonating some other person. Even reports have surfaced that fake account holders use photos of some known personalities and request financial aid.
Notably, misuse of social media platforms has largely contributed to an increase in online violence affecting people of all ages. This has also turned into a major global issue.