Bhadrak: Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Raut has suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Nepal Saha of Dhamnagar police station for alleged dereliction of duty in a high-profile minor girl abduction case.
The suspension order came following the intervention of the Orissa High Court. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, the court expressed concern over the delayed investigation.
According to reports, a 22-year-old man named Rajesh Jena from Talapada village allegedly abducted a schoolgirl from Kankara village under Dhamnagar police limits on June 17. The victim’s mother filed a complaint with Dhamnagar police in this regard, following which the Police Station Inspector In-Charge (IIC) had ordered ASI Nepal Saha to investigate the matter.
Despite a FIR being lodged in this regard, the ASI failed to trace the victim and the accused for nearly two months. Finding no other go, the girl’s family approached the High Court alleging that the investigating ASI was demanding money for tracing and rescuing the missing girl. Concerned over the matter, the Orissa High Court directed the Dhamnagar IIC and the investigating officer to appear in person.
“Following the High Court’s direction, a Sub-Divisional Police Officer investigated the case, which led to the rescue of the girl from a rented house in Keonjhar district on August 11 during a late-night operation. Based on the SDPO’s report, I suspended the concerned ASI. While the main accused and the other accused are absconding, a minor accomplice was arrested and sent to a shelter home. The absconding duo will be apprehended soon,” stated Bhadrak SP.
Meanwhile, SP Raut took swift action and suspended ASI Saha, citing negligence in tracing the victim.
