Seven cops dismissed for links with ganja mafia in Machkund police station in Odisha

JEYPORE: In an unprecedented move, seven police officers, including two from Machkund branch, have been suspended after allegations of their involvement with a local ganja mafia surfaced.

This was also the highest number of suspensions in the history of the district’s police force.

Sources reveal that the Koraput district police have been investigating allegations of illegal links between certain officers at Machkund police station and the ganja mafia for some time now. Recent events, including the release of several ganja dealers while a seizure was in progress, prompted further investigation.

After receiving indications of misconduct, Koraput SP Abhinav Sonkar on Monday launched an investigation at the Machkund police station, which continued till Tuesday. The investigation unearthed evidence linking seven officials to the ganja syndicate. As a result, these personnel, comprising three sub-inspectors, two Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP) personnel and two home guards, were suspended and reassigned to the Koraput police station for further questioning.

While the police department has not released detailed information about the suspensions, sources suggest that four other officers, including two trainee assistant inspectors (ASIs) and constables, are also under fire for alleged involvement in the cannabis trade.

Sonkar confirmed the suspensions and said: “We are yet to ascertain the exact nature of the officers’ connections with the ganja mafia. However, the evidence so far justifies these suspensions. The investigation is underway and we will provide more details as they emerge.”

Koraput district, especially the areas bordering Andhra Pradesh like Anakadeli, Machkund, Lamataput and Nandapur, is known for extensive ganja cultivation. Ganja traders often use the Machkund-Lamataput state highway for smuggling operations. Machkund police station has been a focal point for these illegal activities.