Nayagarh: Police seized a huge cache of tobacco products, razor blades, matchboxes and cash during surprise raids in several jails in this district in the wee hours of Sunday. Sources said the raids were simultaneously conducted in Nayagarh Circle Jail and Ranpur, Khandapada and Daspalla sub-jails in the presence of magistrates and senior police officials.
According to sources, the raids were conducted following allegations of illegal narcotics consumption and trade within the jails. The seizure of such substances from the jails has now raised suspicion about the security measures and the role of prison officials.
During the raids, police seized 292 packets of khaini, 84 pouches of gutkha, 15 packets of bidi, two packets of cigarettes, two nail cutters, two spoons and Rs 1,473 in cash from the district jail here. Similarly, 24 packets of khaini, 11 pouches of gutkha, 26 packets of bidi, two packets of cigarettes, two nail cutters, one plastic razor, four needles and Rs 422 in cash were seized during the raid at Daspalla sub-jail. One packet of khaini, six packets of gutkha, 10 packets of bidi and four packets of zarda were seized during the raid at Khandapada sub-jail. Likewise, 19 packets of khaini, four packets of gutkha, four packets of bidi, and one razor were seized during the raid at Ranapur sub-jail.