Balasore Police Bust Major Drug and Arms Racket in Midnight Operation
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Balasore police conducted a meticulously planned midnight raid near the Tamulia bridge under the Sadar police station jurisdiction. The operation, executed on Monday, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a substantial cache of contraband ganja, firearms, ammunition, and vehicles.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and Seized Items
The arrested trio has been identified as Manoj Das, also known as Kalia, aged 27 and residing in Bhoisahi, Balasore town; Raju, alias Gangadhar Das, aged 38 from Tundra under Khantapada police station limits; and Bhagban Padhi, aged 31 of Srijang in the Khantapada area.
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, a specialized team from the Sadar police station launched the raid. The operation yielded a comprehensive haul, including 4.577 kilograms of ganja, three pistols, a country-made gun, 14 live bullets, and various sharp weapons. Additionally, police confiscated three two-wheelers and cash amounting to Rs 5,000. The illicit substances were reportedly concealed within a gunny bag placed on a scooter.
Specific Roles and Criminal Backgrounds
During the operation, Manoj Das was found in possession of ganja, cash, a scooter, and sharp weapons. Raju was allegedly carrying a country-made pistol, a live bullet, and a motorcycle. Bhagban Padhi was apprehended with a scooter, a pistol, six live bullets, and a cell phone.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Bhagban Padhi was actively involved in supplying firearms and ammunition to criminal networks operating within the district. Balasore Superintendent of Police Shri Pratyush Diwaker revealed that Bhagban has a prior criminal record, with cases registered against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder and criminal intimidation.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Protocols
The accused have been formally charged under Sections 20(b)(ii)(B) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, as well as Sections 25 and 27 of The Arms Act, 1959, as amended in 2019. SP Diwaker emphasized that the search and seizure were conducted in the presence of an executive magistrate and independent witnesses, strictly adhering to the provisions of the NDPS Act. All seized items have been properly sealed and marked as evidence for legal proceedings.
Broader Criminal Network Uncovered
Further investigation has uncovered that the trio was allegedly operating a ganja trade within Balasore town while simultaneously engaging in illegal arms transactions. This dual criminal enterprise highlights the interconnected nature of drug trafficking and arms smuggling in the region. Police are continuing their probe to identify and apprehend additional associates linked to this network.
The successful operation underscores the Balasore police's commitment to combating organized crime and ensuring public safety through proactive intelligence-based actions.
