Odisha Cop Suspended Over Alleged Discrepancy in Seized Liquor Records

Bhubaneswar: A police officer in Odisha’s Balangir district has been suspended following an inquiry into alleged discrepancies in the recording of seized liquor and accusations of links with illegal activities.

Bharat Sahu, Officer-in-Charge of the Salebhata police outpost under Loisingha police station, was placed under suspension by Balangir Superintendent of Police (SP) on Friday.

The disciplinary action came after allegations surfaced that liquor seized during a raid had allegedly gone missing from the police station. Sahu was also accused of having alleged links with the sand and cattle-smuggling mafias operating in the area.

According to sources, police had seized around 100 bottles of liquor from Montu Dhaba near Salebhata. However, only 10 bottles were reportedly entered in the official seizure records, prompting a complaint to senior police authorities.

Taking the matter seriously, the Balangir SP directed the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and the Inspector-in-Charge of Loisingha police station to conduct a detailed inquiry.

The investigation reportedly found discrepancies in the seizure records and negligence in the officer’s discharge of duty. Following the findings, the SP suspended Sahu and directed him to report daily at the Kantabanji SDPO office until further orders.

Further action in the matter is likely based on the findings of the ongoing departmental proceedings.