Odisha Crime Branch to Investigate Cops’ Role in Ganja Smuggler’s Death in Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: The CID, Crime Branch will investigate the controversial mysterious death ganja smuggler in the Kandhamal district.

Crime Branch DSP Rajat Ray will lead the investigation into the incident.

The deceased identified as Jyestha Bandaki was allegedly killed by a group of policemen of the Gochhapada police station.

On October 2, the Kandhamal SP suspended two cops and terminated three home guards in connection with the incident. The suspended police personnel were SI Ajit Kumar Behera and constable Ramchandra Nayak. Three homeguards- Abhiram Mahanand, Jagabandhu Kanhar and Ratnakar Nayak have been terminated from their jobs.

The body of the alleged ganja smuggler, Jyestha, was found near Danganamu ghat under Gochapada police station limits on September 26. On September 26, he was allegedly smuggling contraband and liquor on his bike when police chased him.

As per the family of the deceased, the cops mowed down Jyestha by their vehicle. Seriously injured Jyestha was caught and beaten up brutally by the cops, resulting in his death. It is alleged that the cops later dumped his body and escaped from the spot.