Odisha Crime Branch To Probe Mysterious Death Of ‘Ganja Smuggler’ In Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: The CID Crime Branch of Odisha Police is now probing the mysterious death of man who was allegedly beaten to death by cops in Kandhamal district. The deceased, identified as Jyestha Bandaki, was stated to be a ganja peddler.

Police said that considering the sensitivity of the case, as per the order of the DGP, the Crime Branch took charge of the case for further investigation.

It said Crime Branch DSP Rajat Ray will conduct an investigation into the incident. Earlier action was taken against some police officials of Gochhapada police station following allegations against police in the death of Jyestha, who was described as a ganja peddler.

Notably, Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra on Wednesday suspended two police personnel and dismissed three home guards posted at Gochhapada police station over the death of the alleged ganja peddler in the district.

According to sources, Jyestha was mowed down by a police vehicle during a chase on September 26 on suspicion of smuggling cannabis and illicit liquor on a motorcycle. His family alleged that the police patrol team crashed into the motorcycle and beat him up instead of taking him to hospital, leading to his death. They then dumped his body in the forest and fled after taking away all the money, contraband, and liquor.

On September 27, some villagers spotted Jyestha’s body at the bottom of a gorge under Gochapada police limits and informed his family members, who live in Beherapada village in the neighbouring Boudh district.

Following the allegation, Phulbani sub-divisional police officer Suprasanna Mallick had then said that a deputy superintendent of police-level (DSP) officer has been asked to probe the incident.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, the incident has raised significant concerns, sources said.