Khordha: In a major crackdown, Khordha Industrial Estate Police on Friday busted a racket involved in narcotics and illegal arms trade during a raid at a farmhouse near Tangiapada village.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Sub Inspector (SI) Bhagyashree Behera raided the farmhouse of the prime accused (aged 38, a resident of Medical Chhaka, Khordha) around 4.30 PM.
While the prime accused managed to escape, two of his associates — a 23-year-old from Baselisahi and a 48-year-old from Bhimtangi, Bhubaneswar — were apprehended on the spot.
During the raid, the police seized a cache of incriminating items, including 283.50 grams of brown sugar, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, a country-made pistol, a long single-bore rifle, and two live cartridges.
In a shocking discovery, police also found one stag antler and a live wild boar inside the premises, indicating possible wildlife crime. The Chandaka Forest Range Officer was informed and subsequently seized the wildlife articles.
Police have registered a case under Sections 21(c)/29 of the NDPS Act and Section 25 of the Arms Act, while further investigation is underway. The absconding accused remains at large, and efforts are on to trace him.
The raiding team comprised officers from IEPS Khordha, including SI B. Jaysingh, SI A.K. Mohanty, and other staff, with the case now being investigated by SI Sunita Behera.
Authorities said the seizure is a significant step in curbing narcotics and arms smuggling in the region.
