Odisha Police Suspend CRRI IIC After Vigilance Arrest on Graft Charges

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police on Monday suspended the Inspector In-Charge (IIC) of CRRI police station in Cuttack city, a day after his arrest by the Vigilance Department on graft charges.

Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania placed the accused officer, Bijaya Kumar Barik, under suspension with immediate effect by exercising powers under Rule 840 of the Police Manual Rules (PMR), 1940. The department is also considering initiating disciplinary proceedings against him.

During the suspension period, Barik will remain under the disciplinary control of the Twin City Police Commissioner and will be entitled to sustenance and dearness allowances (SA & DA) as per Rule 90 of the Orissa Service Code, according to the suspension order.

The 43-year-old police officer was arrested by Vigilance officials on Sunday while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a licensed liquor trader at Raj Mahal Square in the capital city. Following his arrest, Vigilance teams conducted searches at his government quarters in Bhubaneswar and recovered Rs 5 lakh in unaccounted cash.

Officials said Barik failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money. Several costly watches along with gold and silver jewellery were also seized from his residence.

The liquor trader, who owns an off-shop under the CRRI police station limits in Cuttack, had earlier lodged a complaint with the Odisha Vigilance alleging harassment by the officer. As per the complaint, Barik allegedly demanded Rs 30,000 per month as protection money, which was later increased to Rs 40,000. He is also accused of seeking supplies of prawn and mutton from the trader on multiple occasions.

Further investigation in the case is underway.