Suspended Odisha Police Inspector Surrenders in NDPS Case After 7 Months on the Run
In a significant development in a high-profile narcotics case, Rajesh Baliarsingh, the suspended inspector in-charge (IIC) of Astaranga police station in Puri district, Odisha, surrendered before the district judge's court in Jeypore on Monday. This surrender comes nearly seven months after he went absconding while facing serious allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Allegations of Involvement in Cannabis Trafficking Network
Baliarsingh stands accused of having direct links with an extensive illegal cannabis trafficking network operating in the region. Police authorities allege that he provided shelter and protection to known ganja smugglers, facilitating their illicit activities. A formal case under the stringent NDPS Act was registered against him at the Jeypore town police station, marking a serious breach of duty by a serving police officer.
The Escape and Subsequent Manhunt
The timeline of events reveals a dramatic escape. In the first week of August last year, a specialized police team led by the then Jeypore Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Partha Kashyap, traveled to Bhubaneswar specifically to interrogate Baliarsingh regarding his alleged nexus with individuals involved in the cannabis trade. However, during questioning at a Bhubaneswar police station, Baliarsingh reportedly managed to evade his custodians and fled the scene, initiating a prolonged manhunt.
Legal Proceedings and Court-Ordered Surrender
After remaining a fugitive for several months, Baliarsingh pursued legal recourse by moving the Orissa High Court to seek relief. Acting on the court's explicit direction, he finally appeared before the Jeypore district judge's court to formally surrender. His legal counsel, P Ramesh Patra, provided crucial details regarding the judicial process.
"Baliarsingh had secured bail from the high court and, in strict compliance with its directive, presented himself before the district court and furnished the necessary bail bond," Patra stated. "The district court subsequently imposed specific conditions and formally granted him bail."
Stringent Bail Conditions Imposed by the Court
The court has mandated a series of strict conditions for Baliarsingh's release on bail. These conditions are designed to ensure his cooperation with the ongoing investigation and prevent any potential interference with the case. Key stipulations include:
- Mandatory physical presence during all court hearings related to the NDPS case.
- A complete prohibition on maintaining any contact with the accused ganja traffickers linked to the network.
- Full and unconditional cooperation with the investigating officer throughout the probe.
These conditions underscore the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the allegations against a former law enforcement officer.
Background and Posting History
Rajesh Baliarsingh's career in the Odisha Police spans several postings across the southern districts of the state. Prior to his assignment at Astaranga police station in Puri, he had served in multiple police stations within Koraput district, including prominent postings in Jeypore and Koraput town itself. His service record also includes postings in various parts of Rayagada district, giving him extensive operational experience in the region now under scrutiny for narcotics trafficking.
The surrender marks a pivotal moment in this case, shifting the focus from a manhunt to a formal legal process. The investigation will now proceed with the accused officer bound by court orders, as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the alleged police-criminal nexus in the illegal cannabis trade.
