Berhampur: The Ganjam district administration has detained a history-sheeter under the National Security Act (NSA), according to police sources on Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Sagar Behera, 36, a resident of Nandigaon under Jarada police station limits.
Details of the Case
At least 11 cases were pending against Behera, including charges of rioting, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, extortion, violent assaults, threats, violation of minor mineral rules, and the Gambling Act, police sources said.
Detention Order Issued
Collector-cum-District Magistrate of Ganjam, Keerthi Vassan V, issued a detention order against Behera under the National Security Act of 1980, following a recommendation by the Berhampur police. Superintendent of Police (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M stated, "The district magistrate was satisfied with the nature, gravity, frequency, and continuity of the activities and the likelihood of their repetition. The NSA was invoked against Behera to safeguard public peace and tranquility."
The detention order was issued after careful consideration of police reports, case records, intelligence inputs, station diary entries, and other related materials. This establishes that the accused has been continuously engaging in activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.
Execution of the Order
SP (Berhampur) confirmed that Jarada police executed the district magistrate's order, and Behera has been detained in the Berhampur Circle Jail. The NSA is likely to be invoked against other individuals with long criminal records, whether currently in or out of jail, to maintain peace in the district. Police are preparing a list of such persons, sources added.
Significance of the Action
The invocation of the NSA against Behera is significant in light of the recent increase in crimes in the district. At least five history-sheeters have sustained injuries in police encounters recently.
