Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Bhubaneswar on Thursday convicted drug peddler Chittaranjan Sahoo alias Madhu (39) under the NDPS Act, sentencing him to 20 years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of ₹1 lakh. In default of payment, he will undergo an additional one year of imprisonment.
The conviction stems from a Special Task Force (STF) case registered in May 2023, when Sahoo was caught red-handed dealing in contraband brown sugar at his rented residence in Unit-VIII, Bhubaneswar, near DAV School. A raid by STF led to the seizure of 1.1 kg of brown sugar (heroin) along with other incriminating materials.
The seized substance was later confirmed by the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Rasulgarh, to be diacetylmorphine (heroin). Following a detailed investigation, a chargesheet was filed under Sections 21(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. During trial, the prosecution examined 14 witnesses and produced 28 documents, leading to today’s conviction. The seized contraband has already been destroyed as per court orders.
According to STF officials, this is the fourth case in Odisha where a drug offender has been awarded the maximum sentence of 20 years under the NDPS Act. The Investigating Officer in the case was Dy SP (STF) Prabin Ch. Tripathy, while Special Public Prosecutor Rashmiranjan Brahma conducted the prosecution.
The STF, Odisha Police’s specialized unit against organized crime, reiterated its commitment to intensify its crackdown on narcotics trade in the state.
