Odisha Police Team Deployed to Jharkhand in Manhunt for Escaped Opium Cultivation Accused
A significant police operation is underway as a five-member team from the Koida police station in Sundargarh district, Odisha, has been dispatched to the neighboring state of Jharkhand. Their mission is to trace and apprehend an accused individual who managed to escape from police custody just two days ago. This dramatic escape is linked to a major case involving the illegal cultivation of opium poppy plants.
Suspensions and Investigation into Police Negligence
In response to the escape, Rourkela Superintendent of Police Nitesh Wadhwani took decisive action on Sunday by suspending three constables from the Koida police station. The suspensions were issued due to alleged negligence in duty, highlighting serious lapses in security protocols during the transportation of the detainees. This disciplinary measure underscores the administration's commitment to accountability and the integrity of law enforcement operations.
Details of the Illegal Opium Cultivation Raid
The incident stems from a coordinated joint raid conducted on Saturday by police and excise officers. The operation targeted a forested area near Pundupokhari village, where authorities discovered an extensive illegal opium poppy cultivation spread across approximately five acres of land. The estimated value of the destroyed opium crop is around Rs 40 lakh, indicating a substantial illicit operation with significant financial implications.
During the raid, two individuals were detained: Balram Borondiya, aged 32, and Budhuwa Horo, aged 23. Both are natives of Jharkhand who were working as laborers in the region. Their arrest marked a critical step in dismantling the illegal cultivation network, but the situation took a turn for the worse shortly after.
The Escape and Ongoing Manhunt
Around 5 pm on Saturday, while the three constables were transporting Balram Borondiya and Budhuwa Horo to the Koida community health center for a mandatory medical examination, a security breach occurred. Balram Borondiya seized the opportunity and managed to flee from custody, evading the officers and disappearing into the surrounding area. In contrast, Budhuwa Horo was successfully rearrested by Koida police later that same night, but Balram remains at large.
The police team's departure for Jharkhand on Monday is a strategic move to track down Balram, who is believed to have connections or may be hiding in his home state. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend eight more accused individuals who are allegedly involved in the opium cultivation case. This expanded search indicates that the illegal operation may involve a broader network of participants, necessitating further investigative efforts.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by police in managing high-risk detainees and the importance of stringent security measures. As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on both apprehending the escaped accused and uncovering the full extent of the illegal cultivation activities to prevent future occurrences.
