Bolangir: A police team comprising Bolangir Superintendent of Police (SP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, along with nine other senior police officers and two platoons of police force, conducted a surprise raid inside the Bolangir District Jail Friday and seized tobacco and other intoxicants. On the instruction of SP Khilari, a team from Town Police Station carried out the raid early Friday morning two days after a group clash took place inside the prison premises. During the raid, police searched 12 wards or cells, kitchen, toilets, washing area, and other locations within the jail. Various contraband items including bidi (local cigarettes), cigarettes, cannabis, two lighters and a trimmer were seized. The discovery of these illegal items inside the cells has raised serious concerns about how they were smuggled in.
SP Khilari stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and the higher jail authorities will be informed about the findings. The Bolangir District Jail currently houses many notorious criminals and there have been reports of frequent fights inside the jail. Recently, a notorious criminal Bablu Mahananda was reportedly attacked by two other inmates, Chotu Khan and Vishal, alias Vicky Suna. The jail superintendent had acknowledged this incident. Some criminals are even believed to be controlling criminal activities in Bolangir town and other parts of the district from within the jail.
Allegations have surfaced that criminals are using mobile phones to extort money and engage in land mafia activities and intimidation. It is alleged that certain jail officials are hand in glove with the criminals lodged inside the jail and are engaged in illegal activities. SP Khilari assured investigation into all aspects. When questioned, Jail Superintendent Sarveshwar Sahu mentioned that a trimmer was provided in the jail’s saloon and the investigation will determine how it ended up inside the cells.